Is There Any Benefit to Using Flonase and Astelin Together for Allergies?

Question: Is There Any Benefit to Using Flonase and Astelin Together for Allergies?

Answer: While there's not a lot of data on this topic, studies indicate it's likely to be beneficial to use these two medications together. There are many medications available for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, including nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, oral antihistamines and Singulair. While different people achieve different levels of allergy control with these medicines, it is well accepted that the nasal steroids are the single most effective medication for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, not every person achieves complete allergy symptom control with one medication. Unfortunately, there is very limited data available on whether the use of two different allergy medications adds any additional benefit to the use of a single allergy medicine.

Two studies, one published in 2008 and the other in 2010, showed that the use of Flonase (fluticasone propionate) along with Astelin (azelastine) resulted in additional allergy symptom control than either medication alone. The additional benefit was not small – the combination of Flonase and Astelin resulted in approximately 40% improvement in allergy symptoms compared to either medication alone. This improvement not only applied to nasal symptoms, but to eye symptoms as well. Interestingly, the 2010 study involved the use of a single nasal delivery device to administer both medications –- suggesting that a single product containing both medications may soon be available in the near future.

Learn more about the use of nasal sprays for the treatment of allergies.

_Sources:

_{Hampel FC, Ratner PH, Van Bavel J, et al. Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Azelastine and Fluticasone in a Single Nasal Spray Delivery Device. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010; 105:168-173.}

_{Ratner PH, Hampel F, Van Bavel J et al. Combination Therapy with Azelastine Hydrochloride Nasal Spray and Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray in the Treatment of Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008; 100:74-81.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}