Azelastine nasal spray may reduce COVID-19 risk

The JAMA Internal Medicine journal published a new clinical study that suggests a common over-the-counter nasal spray, which contains azelastine, can offer significant protection from COVID-19.

The clinical trial, known as “CONTAIN”, was conducted by some researchers at Saarland University Hospital in Germany. Participants include 450 adults divided into two groups: one received a placebo, and the other group received azelastine nasal spray.

Individuals use the spray 3 times a day over 56 days. The result showed a significant difference in infection rates between the two groups.

Among the group that used azelastine spray, only 2.2 % of participants became infected with SARS-CoV-2. The infection rate was 6.7% in the Placebo group.

This means there is a roughly 67% to 70% decline in the risk of infection for those who used azelastine spray.

The trial also revealed that the nasal spray can have antiviral effects. The participants have shown a reduced incidence of rhinovirus infections and an overall decline in the number of confirmed respiratory infections.

Researchers are trying to identify how azelastine works against COVID-19, but they have few theories:

• It may bind to viruses in the nasal mucosa
• It could interfere with the ACE2 receptors that the virus uses to enter human cells.
• It might block an enzyme the virus uses for replication.

Dr. Robert Bals, the study’s lead author, stated that the results are promising, but the spray cannot be replaced with vaccination. He said larger, multicentre trials are required to analyse the effectiveness and confirm the findings, particularly in demographics with vulnerable populations.

Is azelastine safe to use daily?

Azelastine Nasal Spray is Safe and Effective for the daily management of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis.