Bencycloquidium bromide nasal spray is effective and safe for persistent allergic rhinitis: a phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

To investigate the efficacy and safety of bencycloquidium bromide nasal spray (BCQB) in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). We enrolled 720 patients from 15 hospitals across China and randomly assigned them into BCQB group or placebo group (90 μg per nostril qid) to receive a 4-week treatment. Visual analog scale (VAS) for rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching and overall symptoms were recorded by patients every day. Anterior rhinoscopy scoring was completed by doctors on every visit. Adverse events were recorded in detail. A total of 354 and 351 patients were included in BCQB group and in placebo group. Baseline information was comparable. At the end of the trial, the decrease of VAS for rhinorrhea from baseline was 4.83 ± 2.35 and 2.46 ± 2.34 in BCQB group and placebo group, respectively (P < 0.001). The change ratio from baseline of VAS for rhinorrhea in BCQB group was 72.32%, higher than 31.03% in placebo group (P < 0.001). VAS for other symptoms and overall symptoms also improved significantly in the BCQB group, while no inter-group difference was found in anterior rhinoscopy scoring. The incidence of adverse reaction was similar between the two groups. Most reactions were mild and no severe reactions happened. 90 μg BCQB per nostril four times daily is effective and safe in the treatment of rhinorrhea as well as sneezing, nasal congestion and itching for patients with PAR. ChiCTR2000030924, 2020/3/17.