Effect of terfenadine on cold air-induced bronchospasm.
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.
Bewtra
A K
AK
Allergic Disease Center, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska.
Hopp
R J
RJ
Nair
N M
NM
Townley
R G
RG
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
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D016593:Terfenadine