The frequency of use of OTC drugs by subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis in the light of the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Diseases in Poland) project

Aim
Attempt to assess the frequency of use of OTC drugs in the group of subjects with diagnosed allergic rhinitis.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of 18 578 subjects (4192 patients with diagnosed allergic rhinitis and 14 386 healthy patients as a control group) in the age ranges: 6–7 years, 13–14 years and adults aged 20–44 years. The method that was used in the study was based on translated and validated ECRHS and ISAAC survey questionnaires.

Results
Gripex and Ibuprom sinus were the most commonly used anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drugs in the study group with diagnosed allergic rhinitis. In the group of over-the-counter antiallergic drugs, the respondents most often used: cetyryzynine i loratadine (Zyrtec, Claritine, Aleric and Allertec), with women being much more frequently examined (p = 0.028). An overwhelming proportion of them were adults (p = 8.189425e–10) and inhabitants of rural areas (p = 0.001). Aleric (p = 0.642) and Claritine (p = 0.03026206) were more often taken by the inhabitants of large urban centres. On the other hand, Zyrtec is more likely to be taken by men (p = 0.000). Xylometazolin 0.1%, the supply of which increased with age (p = 7.292658e–28), was one of the most popular nasal medications in the group. Similarly was the case with Acatar nasal drops (p = 3.590127e–14).

Conclusions
Respondents with allergic rhinitis relatively often use over-the-counter drugs, although less frequently than population showing no symptoms of allergy.