THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 1997              TAG: 9701070232
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Briefs   
                                            LENGTH:   24 lines

FDA APPROVES MEDICINE TO PREVENT ALLERGY ATTACKS

Allergy sufferers will soon be able to buy the nation's first nonprescription medicine that promises to prevent, not just suppress, their sniffles.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved the prescription Nasalcrom nasal spray to be sold over the counter. McNeil Consumer Products says the nonprescription Nasalcrom will be on drugstore shelves before spring.

Until now, Nasalcrom had competed with the somewhat riskier nasal steroids doctors typically prescribe to prevent allergic rhinitis.

An estimated 40 million Americans suffer allergic rhinitis, caused by annual pollen or mold seasons or persistent allergies from dust mites, pets and other substances.

KEYWORDS: FDA ALLERGY MEDICINE