Abstract

background

While there are guidelines on how to treat allergic rhinitis, there is less information on how pharmacists approach such cases in the community. Given how often patients visit pharmacies, and in light of new prescribing powers for pharmacists, this would be of interest.

objective

To ascertain how pharmacists in the two largest Canadian provinces would approach a hypothetical allergic rhinitis case.

methods

This was a cross-sectional online survey of practicing community pharmacists in two provinces. Pharmacists were asked to consider a hypothetical case involving allergic rhinitis in an adult and how they would manage it.

results

During Fall 2022, 715 pharmacists completed the survey. Most were working 30 or more hours per week, commonly as a staff pharmacist. The majority would not have the patient continue with their current therapy. Initiating a second-generation antihistamine was a common first choice, followed by an intranasal corticosteroid. Most would be as OTC agents, although some pharmacists would engage in prescribing. For follow-up two weeks later (treatment deemed insufficient), roughly 10 to 15 percent would refer.

Conclusion

As would be expected, second-generation antihistamines and INCS agents played a significant role in what pharmacists would recommend for a hypothetical case.