Efficacy of topical tuaminoheptane combined with N-acetyl-cysteine in reducing nasal resistance. A double-blind rhinomanometric study versus xylometazoline and placebo

Arzneimittelforschung. 1996 Apr;46(4):385-8.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to functionally evaluate the decongestant effect of a topical intranasal drug (Rhinofluimucil consisting of tuaminoheptane sulphate (CAS 6411-75-2, THS), a vasoconstrictor, combined with N-acetyl-cysteine (CAS 616-91-1, NAC). This was a double-blind randomized study, versus both xylometazoline and placebo. 18 subjects (8M and 10F, aged 20-47 years), unaffected by any rhinitic pathology, underwent anterior rhinomanometry. Following the basal evaluation (T0), subjects were randomly divided into three groups and subjected, in a double-blind manner, to nasal instillations (2 puffs per nostril) of THS/NAC (R), xylometazoline (O) and saline solution (P), respectively. Rhinomanometry was repeated after 5, 10 and 20 min (T5, T10, T20). Resistance and flow were measured in both nostrils at a pressure gradient of 150 Pa. After R and O nasal resistance significantly decreased from 0.30 Pa to 0.19 Pa and from 0.31 Pa to 0.17 Pa, respectively, and flow significantly increased; no effects were observed with placebo. In this study, THS/NAC showed rapid decongestant properties, with a significant decrease of resistance and increase of inspiratory flow. The same finding was observed with xylometazoline, but not with the placebo. The decongestant effect was rapid: it could already be observed at T5, and remained constant up to T20 without any rebound effect.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage
  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology*
  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adult
  • Airway Resistance / drug effects*
  • Amines / administration & dosage
  • Amines / pharmacology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Flow Rates / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / administration & dosage
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Manometry
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasal Cavity / physiology*
  • Nasal Decongestants / administration & dosage
  • Nasal Decongestants / pharmacology*
  • Respiratory Mechanics / physiology

Substances

  • Amines
  • Drug Combinations
  • Imidazoles
  • Nasal Decongestants
  • rhinofluimucil
  • xylometazoline
  • Acetylcysteine