Nasacort Is Safe, Effective in Children Ages 2–5, Sanofi-Aventis Says

New data released by sanofi-aventis show Nasacort AQ is safe and effective in children ages 2–5 with allergic rhinitis and does not affect their adrenal function.

Healthcare professionals have been concerned that intranasal corticosteroids, such as Nasacort AQ (triamcinolone acetonide), could affect adrenal function in children, study investigator Anjuli Nayak said. However, results from a clinical trial showed Nasacort AQ did not have a significant effect on adrenal function in children ages 2–5 compared with placebo.

The drug, given as one spray in each nostril once daily, did not affect the average blood levels of the adrenal hormone cortisol compared with placebo in a subset of the pediatric patients in the trial.

The trial also found that the nasal spray is safe and effective in treating symptoms of sneezing, nasal itching, discharge and congestion in children of that age group who have had year-round allergic rhinitis for at least one year.