In vitro effect of beclomethasone dipropionate and flunisolide on the mobility of human nasal cilia

Abstract

Human nasal cilia were perfused with aqueous solutions of two corticosteroid aerosols, beclomethasone dipropionate (BPD) and flunisolide, with the main preservative of flunisolide, propylene glycol, and with placebo. The concentration used were BPD 0.1 mg/ml, 0.05 mg/ml, 0.005 mg/ml and 0.0005 mg/ml, flunisolide 0.25 mg/ml, 0.05 mg/ml, 0.025 mg/ml and 0.00025 mg/ml, and propylene glycol 20 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml. A dose-related decrease in ciliary beating frequency (CBF) was seen after perfusion with both BDP and flunisolide as well as propylene glycol. The decrease in CBF following perfusion with propylene glycol was partially reversible upon re-perfusion with medium alone, whereas the decrease seen after BDP and flunisolide was irreversible. Although previous studies have shown no adverse effect on the mucous membrane except for the areas hit by the impact of the sprays, our results suggest that caution should be taken when the dose and/or the length of treatment is considered, and that the effect of administration of these drugs on CBF in vivo needs to be investigated.

The effects of topical nasal steroids on rat respiratory mucosa in vivo, with special reference to benzalkonium chloride

“…i.e., topical steroids containing the preservative benzalkonium chloride. It has previously been shown that the steroid compounds in these drugs, beclomethasone dipropionate and flunisohde, are harmless to the respiratory mucosa both in vitro and in vivo (19,20). Conversely, many in vitro and in vivo studies strongly suggest that betizalkonium chloride may have negative morphologic and functional effects on mammalian cells and tissues.…”

Powder administration of pure budesonide for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis

“…In principle, the new budesonide powder device has the advantage that it does not eontaiti carrier gases, lubricants, or preservatives (1,7). The multi-dose inhaler is as easy to use as the pressurized aerosol, and overspill to the nostril, occurring with aqueous pump sprays is avoided.…”

Budesonide powder administration for the treatment of grass‐pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis

“…The original Freon-propelled aerosols often cause drying of the nasal mucosa, and this sometimes prevents optimal dosing. It is believed that the propellants and dis-persants contribute to these side-effects (2,9). This, together with the fact that Freon has a detrimental effect on the ozone layer, has prompted the development of alternative delivery systems.…”