Comparative efficacy of oral fexofenadine hydrochloride and intranasal fluticasone furoate in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis: A prospective randomized comparative study.

Authors

  • Dr. Praneeth Kumar K Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India
  • Dr. N Chetan Rahul Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India
  • Dr. Narendrula Srilekha Senior Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India
  • Dr. Mohd Abdul Nihal Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2052

Keywords:

Allergic rhinitis, Fexofenadine hydrochloride, Fluticasone furoate, Intranasal corticosteroids, Antihistamines

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic condition with a significant impact on quality of life. Pharmacotherapy with non-sedating antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids remains the mainstay, though comparative evidence in Indian settings is limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of oral fexofenadine hydrochloride and intranasal fluticasone furoate in patients with moderate to severe AR.

 Methods

A prospective comparative study was conducted on 100 patients aged 16–55 years presenting with moderate to severe AR at a tertiary care centre. Participants were randomized into two equal groups: oral fexofenadine 120 mg once daily (Group OF) and intranasal fluticasone furoate spray, one puff daily (Group NF). Baseline demographic characteristics, symptom scores, and visual analogue scale (VAS) ratings were recorded. Patients were followed up weekly for four weeks.

 Results

Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups (Table 1). Both groups demonstrated significant reduction in total symptom scores after 4 weeks (p < 0.001), with mean post-treatment scores of 1.16 ± 3.36 in Group OF and 1.90 ± 3.85 in Group NF (Table 2). Severity distribution showed that most patients shifted from severe to moderate categories without intergroup difference (Table 3). However, fluticasone produced greater improvement in nasal obstruction, sneezing, and nasal discharge compared with fexofenadine (Table 4). VAS scores confirmed the superior efficacy of intranasal fluticasone in reducing overall symptom burden (Table 5).

 Conclusion

Both oral fexofenadine and intranasal fluticasone furoate are effective in alleviating symptoms of moderate to severe AR. Fluticasone demonstrated superior improvement in nasal symptoms and VAS reduction, suggesting it may be preferred as first-line therapy.

 Recommendations

For patients with prominent nasal obstruction or persistent AR, intranasal corticosteroids should be prioritized. Antihistamines may be considered when systemic symptoms or patient preference for oral therapy exist.

Author Biographies

Dr. Praneeth Kumar K, Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India

is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) at Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India. He obtained his MBBS degree from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, and pursued his postgraduate training in Otorhinolaryngology (MS ENT) at the prestigious Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. With more than eight years of teaching experience as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Praneeth Kumar has been actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, clinical training, and mentorship.

He has published two research papers in peer-reviewed journals and continues to contribute to academic scholarship in otorhinolaryngology. His areas of clinical and research interest include allergic rhinitis, endoscopic sinus surgery, and advances in otology and laryngology. In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Praneeth Kumar is dedicated to patient-centered clinical practice and strives to integrate evidence-based medicine into daily teaching and healthcare delivery. ORCID ID :https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1056-815X

Dr. N Chetan Rahul, Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India

is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) at Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India. He completed his MBBS from NRI Medical College, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, and pursued his MS in Otorhinolaryngology at Prathima Medical College, Telangana, graduating in 2020. Following his postgraduate training, Dr. Rahul worked as a Senior Resident in the Department of ENT at Government Medical College, Siddipet, for one year, after which he was appointed as an Assistant Professor. With over four years of academic experience in this role, he has been actively involved in undergraduate teaching, clinical training, and departmental academic activities. His professional interests include rhinology, otology, and advances in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. Dr. Rahul is committed to evidence-based clinical practice, high-quality patient care, and fostering academic growth among medical students and young trainees. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0778-7486

Dr. Narendrula Srilekha, Senior Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India

is currently working as a Senior Resident in the Department of ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) at Government Medical College, Siddipet, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal (2014 batch) and pursued her MS in ENT from Mamata Medical College, Khammam (2021–2022 batch). Dr. Srilekha has published one research paper in peer-reviewed journals and continues to engage actively in academic and clinical research in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Her areas of interest include allergic rhinitis, rhinology, and advances in endoscopic sinus surgery. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0743-8304.

Dr. Mohd Abdul Nihal, Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India

is currently working as a Senior Resident in the Department of General Medicine at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India. He completed his MBBS from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal (2014 batch) and obtained his MD in General Medicine from Mamata Medical College, Khammam (2021–2022 batch). Dr. Nihal has a strong clinical and academic interest in internal medicine, with focus areas including diabetes, hypertension, and infectious diseases. He continues to actively contribute to patient care, teaching, and research in general medicine. ORCID ID:https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4195-7035

 

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Dr .Praneeth Kumar K, Dr. N Chetan Rahul, Srilekha, N. ., & Nihal, D. . M. A. . (2025). Comparative efficacy of oral fexofenadine hydrochloride and intranasal fluticasone furoate in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis: A prospective randomized comparative study. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(9), 10. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2052

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Section of General Medicine Research