Two-Hour Nasal Responses after a Single Dose of Ephedrine Nasal Spray in Healthy Males
Cheewin Trakarnsilpa BPharm*, Warangkana Arpornchayanon MD, PhD*, Nutthiya Hanprasertpong MD, PhD*, Supranee Fooanant MD*, Maleeya Manorot MD*, Sukit Roongapinun MD, PhD*
Affiliation : * Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Background : Ephedrine is often used as nasal decongestant. Yet, the clinical study of intranasal ephedrine is scarce. In
addition, the study tools may affect the measurement of the nasal patency. This problem has not been concerned.
Objective : To investigate the nasal responses after using a single-dose of calibrated ephedrine nasal spray in Thai healthy
male volunteers. The study also compared the differences between two methods of nasal patency measurement.
Material and Method: Healthy males (n = 20) were recruited in a randomized, crossover, 2-day study. Each day was studied
for anterior rhinomanometry (RN) or peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). On test day, subjects were given ephedrine nasal
spray, and measured by the specific tool for two hours. In addition, the visual analogue scale (VAS), cardiovascular (CVS)
parameters, and adverse drug reactions were examined.
Results : A single-dose ephedrine nasal spray significantly changed the nasal airway resistance (NAR), PNIF, and VAS at
5-minute. The NAR via RN was maximally decreased by 43.74±16.3% at 10-minute and returned to baseline at 90-minute.
While, PNIF was maximally increased by 31.20±18.4% at 10-minute and returned to baseline at 60-minute. The nasal
responses measured by two methods were significantly different at 5-, 15-, and 45-minute. VAS for nasal patency showed
significant increases throughout the study period. CVS effects were negligible. Bitter taste was the most common adverse
event reported.
Conclusion : Ephedrine nasal spray is a fast-onset, short-acting decongestant. The decongestant effect of the drug varied
by study tools. The variations appeared on the degree of nasal response and duration of action. The drug was generally
safe.
Keywords : Ephedrine, Rhinomanometry, Peak nasal inspiratory flow, Visual analogue scale
