An Old Nasal Spray May Help To Prevent Covid Infections

Описание: Azelastine Nasal Spray for Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Infections A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

PMID: 40892398
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40892...

There are limited options that have been studied for preexposure prophylaxis for COVID-19. Previous research indicates that azelastine, a nasal antihistamine spray, also has activity against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, RSV, and influenza A. In patients with COVID-19, azelastine can reduce viral loads, and it's thought that there are multiple mechanisms by which azelastine affects the virus, including interaction with the ACE2 enzyme, inhibition of a viral protease, and modulation of ICAM-1. This Phase 2 randomized controlled trial evaluated whether regular use of azelastine was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 infection.

A total of 450 healthy volunteers were assigned to use either azelastine 0.1% three times a day or a placebo for a mean duration of 56 days. In the primary analysis (ITT), 6.7% of participants in the placebo group and 2.2% of participants in the azelastine group were infected (OR 0.31). The per-protocol analysis yielded similar results: 7.5% placebo vs. 2.8% azelastine, OR 0.36. Symptomatic infection was lower in the azelastine group (1.8%) compared to the placebo group (6.3%). Patients also had positive test results for a shorter duration in the azelastine group (3.4 days) compared to the placebo group (5.14 days). Notably, the number of rhinovirus (a common cold virus) was lower in the azelastine group (1.8%) compared to the placebo group (6.3%). The total number of PCR-confirmed respiratory infections was lower in the azelastine group (9.3%) compared to the placebo group (22%).

The intervention was well tolerated, with more participants reporting a bitter taste and nosebleeds in the azelastine group compared to the placebo group. No serious adverse events were considered to be treatment-related.

#nimbushealthcare #doctor #physician #pharmacist #health #wellness #lifestyle #COVID #prophylaxis #prevention #azelastine