The research, printed in JAMA Inner Drugs, discovered that the incidence of COVID-19 was considerably decrease with utility of azelastine nasal spray in contrast with a placebo therapy, says research writer Peter Meiser, PhD, a consultant of the pharmaceutical firm and research 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, significantly in high-risk settings, similar to giant 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 aid. “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 sometimes advocate one to 2 sprays in every nostril twice each day for nasal and ocular [eye] signs of environmental allergy symptoms,” similar to seasonal allergy symptoms from pollen and different irritants, she says.
The remedy 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 research.
The spray decreases sneezing, runny nostril, and post-nasal drip, he says. Azelastine eye drops are additionally out there to deal with itchy, watery eyes.
Might This Nasal Spray Battle COVID?
The randomized, placebo-controlled medical trial included 450 wholesome adults, who have been enrolled at Saarland College Hospital in Germany. They have been randomly assigned to obtain both azelastine nasal spray or a placebo 3 times a day for 56 days.
Examine topics acquired COVID fast antigen testing twice every week, with optimistic outcomes confirmed by polymerase chain response (PCR) assessments. Individuals with COVID signs however damaging antigen assessments bought PCR assessments.
COVID-19 occurred in 6.7 % of the placebo group and a couple of.2 % of the azelastine group, which Meiser says corresponds to a discount of two-thirds.
The researchers additionally discovered important 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 (similar to those who trigger the widespread 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 mostly protected to make use of each day, Sohn says. Utilizing the remedy at higher-than-typical doses, because the research suggests, “could also be significantly relevant to high-risk settings similar to giant gatherings or journey,” she provides.
The nasal spray additionally has a bitter aftertaste, Dr. Joks says.
Joks emphasizes that the nasal spray shouldn’t exchange getting a COVID vaccine, which boosts the physique’s immune response to forestall an an infection from taking maintain and inflicting critical sickness.
Azelastine additionally shouldn’t exchange measures to forestall COVID-19, like hand washing, sporting masks, and staying dwelling if you’re sick, Sohn says.
The Examine Has Limitations
This trial was comparatively small, and its statistical energy was decreased due to the low variety of infections, Meiser says.
Outcomes will not be relevant to everybody. Most members within the trial have been feminine; the typical age was 33; and 92 % have been white.
The research solely befell at a single medical middle with a principally 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 research 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 remedy’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, similar to seniors and folks with sure medical situations.
