A Review of the Efficacy and Safety of NasalezeTM in the Prevention and Management of Allergic Rhinitis

NasalezeTM is an inert cellulose powder which has been on sale in the UK since 1994 and is used as a remedy for hay fever. It is applied to the nasal passage where it forms a gelatinous coating, thereby trapping aero-allergens and preventing the initial allergic response. Some limited clinical studies have been conducted in predominantly adults but also in children: outcome measures included the reporting of symptoms by volunteers (sneezing, itching, blocked nose, etc) using questionnaires; prevention of symptoms when challenged to aerosolized allergens; concomitant use of rescue medication and the measurement of inspiratory air flow across the mucosa as well as the release of ECP in nasal washings. The product has been reported to be safe and well tolerated by all volunteers and warrant further investigation in larger studies.