The examine, printed in JAMA Inside Medication, discovered that the incidence of COVID-19 was considerably decrease with software of azelastine nasal spray in contrast with a placebo therapy, says examine creator Peter Meiser, PhD, a consultant of the pharmaceutical firm and examine sponsor Ursapharm Arzneimittel in Saarbruecken, Germany.
“We contemplate azelastine nasal spray, primarily based on its established security profile, over-the-counter availability, and ease of use, as a sensible, scalable, on-demand strategy” to stopping COVID-19, notably in high-risk settings, reminiscent of massive gatherings or journey, Dr. Meiser says.
Different consultants say that, whereas bigger research are nonetheless wanted, the brand new investigation suggests a promising add-on to present preventive measures, particularly for sufferers already counting on nasal sprays for allergy reduction. “I’ll be following my sufferers who use the drug nearer than ever,” says Julia Sohn, MD, an allergist and immunologist at AllerVie Well being in Washington, DC, who wasn’t concerned within the analysis.
What Is Azelastine?
“We usually suggest one to 2 sprays in every nostril twice day by day for nasal and ocular [eye] signs of environmental allergy symptoms,” reminiscent of seasonal allergy symptoms from pollen and different irritants, she says.
The medicine works by destabilizing mast cells, or allergy cells, to lower allergic irritation, says Rauno Joks, MD, an allergist and immunologist at NYC Well being + Hospitals/Kings County in Brooklyn, New York, who was not concerned within the examine.
The spray decreases sneezing, runny nostril, and post-nasal drip, he says. Azelastine eye drops are additionally accessible to deal with itchy, watery eyes.
May This Nasal Spray Combat COVID?
The randomized, placebo-controlled scientific trial included 450 wholesome adults, who had been enrolled at Saarland College Hospital in Germany. They had been randomly assigned to obtain both azelastine nasal spray or a placebo 3 times a day for 56 days.
Examine topics acquired COVID speedy antigen testing twice per week, with optimistic outcomes confirmed by polymerase chain response (PCR) checks. Folks with COVID signs however detrimental antigen checks received PCR checks.
COVID-19 occurred in 6.7 p.c of the placebo group and a pair of.2 p.c of the azelastine group, which Meiser says corresponds to a discount of two-thirds.
The researchers additionally discovered vital reductions within the total variety of PCR-confirmed symptomatic infections (21 within the azelastine group in contrast with 49 within the placebo group), Meiser says. Moreover, there was a decrease incidence of rhinovirus infections (reminiscent of people who trigger the frequent chilly).
“Bigger trials nonetheless want to extend our information on this strategy,” he says.
Ought to You Use Azelastine to Defend Your self In opposition to COVID?
Azelastine is usually secure to make use of day by day, Sohn says. Utilizing the medicine at higher-than-typical doses, because the examine suggests, “could also be notably relevant to high-risk settings reminiscent of massive gatherings or journey,” she provides.
The nasal spray additionally has a bitter aftertaste, Dr. Joks says.
Joks emphasizes that the nasal spray shouldn’t change getting a COVID vaccine, which boosts the physique’s immune response to stop an an infection from taking maintain and inflicting severe sickness.
Azelastine additionally shouldn’t change measures to stop COVID-19, like hand washing, carrying masks, and staying dwelling while you’re sick, Sohn says.
The Examine Has Limitations
This trial was comparatively small, and its statistical energy was diminished due to the low variety of infections, Meiser says.
Outcomes will not be relevant to everybody. Most members within the trial had been feminine; the typical age was 33; and 92 p.c had been white.
The examine solely came about at a single medical middle with a largely wholesome and vaccinated inhabitants, and researchers famous the generalizability of the findings to different settings could also be restricted.
One other attainable flaw of the examine is that azelastine’s bitter style might have “unblinded” members, doubtlessly introducing a bias, the authors say.
Bigger trials are wanted to substantiate the efficacy of azelastine towards COVID-19 and to discover the medicine’s potential advantages towards different respiratory diseases throughout extra various populations and settings, Meiser says. That’s particularly vital for sufferers at greater danger of significant issues from COVID-19, reminiscent of seniors and other people with sure medical situations.
