Health
Can a Nasal Spray Help Prevent COVID-19?
Health Points
- Azelastine, an over-the-counter allergy nasal spray, may reduce COVID-19 infections, according to new research.
- A clinical trial found fewer symptomatic COVID-19 cases in people using azelastine compared to placebo.
- Larger, more diverse studies are needed before broad recommendations are made.
A widely available nasal spray for allergies could offer an extra layer of protection against COVID-19, a new study reports. Early findings suggest the antihistamine azelastine reduced COVID-19 rates in participants compared to those using a placebo.
“We consider azelastine nasal spray, based on its established safety profile, over-the-counter availability, and ease of use, as a practical, scalable, on-demand approach to preventing COVID-19, particularly in high-risk settings, such as large gatherings or travel,” says Dr. Peter Meiser, study author and pharmaceutical company representative in Saarbruecken, Germany.
Experts emphasize that this spray could be a helpful add-on, especially for people who already use nasal sprays for allergy relief. Dr. Julia Sohn, an allergist not involved in the research, explains, “I’ll be following my patients who use the drug closer than ever.”
Azelastine is a well-known antihistamine first approved in the 1990s and available over-the-counter since 2021. It’s typically used for allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Dr. Rauno Joks, an allergist in New York, notes that azelastine works by stabilizing allergy cells and reducing inflammation. The medication is available as both a nasal spray and eye drops.
In the clinical trial, 450 healthy adults were randomly assigned to use either azelastine or a placebo nasal spray three times daily for 56 days. The group using azelastine had significantly fewer COVID-19 cases and lower numbers of confirmed symptomatic infections.
The study also observed fewer common cold cases among those using azelastine. Researchers suggest that azelastine may block the coronavirus from entering the body, but more data are required to understand these results fully.
Meiser adds, “Larger trials still need to increase our knowledge on this approach.” Experts also point out the nasal spray should not replace vaccines or common preventive measures like hand washing and mask use.
As with any medication, azelastine may cause side effects such as nosebleeds, headaches, or fatigue. Dr. Sohn recommends consulting your healthcare provider, especially if taking other medications. Azelastine can also have a bitter aftertaste, but this is generally not harmful.
The study had limitations, including a small, mostly healthy and young participant group, lack of diversity, and the possibility participants knew which treatment they were receiving. Further research is needed to see if these results hold up across broader populations and for people at increased risk, such as older adults and those with certain health conditions.
If you’re considering ways to boost your defenses, consult your healthcare team to find out what’s best for your individual needs—and stay tuned for more research on accessible options like azelastine.
