title: Effect of terfenadine on cold air-induced bronchospasm.
abstract: Cold air hyperventilation challenge (CAHC) has been shown to induce bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. We investigated whether terfenadine, a non-sedating H1 antihistamine, had a protective effect against CAHC. Twelve mild-moderate asthmatics, sensitive to both methacholine and CAHC, underwent a double-blind 3-way crossover study of terfenadine at doses of 0, 120, and 240 mg. For four hours after administration of the study drug, pulmonary responses were measured, followed by a CAHC. There was a significant improvement in pulmonary function on the 120-mg and 240-mg days. The percent drop in FEV1 to CAHC was determined by comparing the pre-challenge baseline to the challenge responses. There was a significant attenuation in the FEV1 fall immediately after challenge on active drug days, but it was not sustained. Terfenadine appears to have an attenuating effect against CAHC-induced bronchoconstriction.
authors.affiliation: Allergic Disease Center, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Bewtra
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Hopp
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Townley
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016593:Terfenadine
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D016593:Terfenadine