| abstract |
A method of hydrating nasal airway surfaces in a subject in need of such treatment comprises topically applying a sodium channel blocker to a nasal airway surface of the subject in an amount effective to inhibit the reabsorption of water by the surface. The channel blocker may be a pyrazinolylguanidine sodium channel blocker, such as benzamil, phenamil, amiloride, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The method may further comprise the step of topically applying a P2Y2 receptor agonist to a nasal airway surface of the subject in an amount effective to stimulate chloride secretion by the nasal airway surface. In a preferred embodiment, t he sodium channel blocker is a covalent conjugate of a pyrazinoylguanidine sodi um channel blocker and a non-absorbable carrier moiety (e.g., albumin, polyethylene glycol). Such compounds may also be administered to other mucos al surfaces where it is desired to inhibit the reabsorption of water. |