The Brewer Protocol involves the use of topical sinus medications to eradicate the resistant infections of the nasal passages and sinuses. Dr Joseph Brewer, an infectious disease specialist from Kansas City Missouri, developed a protocol to eliminate nasal colonized mycotoxins. Dr. Brewer and his associates, Jack Thrasher and Dennis Hooper, published several papers on chronic illness associated with mold and mycotoxins. They concluded that the most likely reservoir for the colonization of mycotoxins was the sinus area. Once colonized, mycotoxins are protected by a biofilm coating, preventing their elimination from the body. Dr. Brewer reports that these mycotoxins impair mitochondrial function creating oxidative stress. The symptoms that result, including chronic fatigue, immune dysregulation and endocrine abnormalities, are referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Antifungals – Amphotericin and Nystatin
The two antifungals that may be used for the Brewer protocol are amphotericin and nystatin. These antifungals are dispensed in capsule form. The capsules are emptied into a solution that can be atomized with the Rhino Clear Sprint. Amphotericin is a powerful antifungal but some patients are sensitive to it. These patients sometimes experience less side effects when using the antifungal nystatin.
Chelating Agent – EDTA
Atomized intranasal EDTA is used to destroy biofilm which are harboring the mycotoxins. Once the biofilm is destroyed, an atomized antifungal is used to eliminate nasal colonized mycotoxins. The EDTA is an essential part of the Brewer protocol, as without it the antifungal treatment will be less effective.
There is a synergy when the antifungal and EDTA are used simultaneously. EDTA dissolves the biofilm coating, clearing the way for a direct attack and elimination of the mycotoxins by the topical antifungal. Different dosing regimens may be followed. Dr. Brewer doses the EDTA once in the morning and the antifungal once in the evening. Other clinicians sometimes prescribe EDTA and an antifungal to be used twice daily. The EDTA is used first and is followed about 20 minutes later by the amphotericin or nystatin. This is repeated in the morning and evening.
Topical sinus therapy with antifungals can cause nasal irritation and mild nose bleeds. Some patients experience what is known as a Herxheimer or “herx” reaction as the mycotoxins are exposed and the drug kills them. This refers to an initial intensifying of symptoms before recovery begins. In most cases, a herx reaction is a normal part of the treatment process and the symptoms will diminish with continued treatment. You can learn more about the Herxheimer reaction on our blog.
The Rhino Clear Sprint is the atomizer recommended by our pharmacists for use with the Brewer Protocol. The device holds a full 15 mL of solution and atomizes 2 mL (1 treatment) in just 30 seconds. To prevent the risk of contaminating the solution, it also features a dedicated collection chamber to catch discharge. The Rhino Clear Atomizer is suitable for everyone ages 8 and up, and comes with three different sized nasal adaptors for a more custom fit. To order the Rhino Clear Sprint without a prescription, please visit https://rhinoclearsprint.com.
Research
- Chronic Illness Associated with Mold and Mycotoxins: Is Naso-Sinus Fungal Biofilm the Culprit? – Joseph Brewer, Jack Thrasher, Dennis Hooper (PubMed)
