Importance

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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 pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blocker, such as benzamil, phenamil, amiloride, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The method may further comprise the step of topically applying a P2Y.sub.2 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, the sodium channel blocker is a covalent conjugate of a pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blocker and a non-absorbable carrier moiety (e.g., albumin, polyethylene glycol). Such compounds may also be administered to other mucosal surfaces where it is desired to inhibit the reabsorption of water.

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First Claim