The influence of ketotifen and aminophylline on the central and peripheral airways.
In a double-blind study we compared the effect of 2 mg ketotifen (Zaditen) daily and 1050 mg aminophylline daily for 6 months in two groups of altogether 24 patients with bronchial asthma and a chronic obstruction of the airways. Lung function tests were done in regular intervals to investigate the effects of the drugs on the central airways resistance, thoracic gas volume, forced expiratory volume of the first second and inspiratory vital capacity--and the peripheral airways closing volume, flow of iso and the flow volume curve. Ketotifen reduced the obstruction of the central and of the peripheral airways. Aminophylline showed a less pronounced effect on the obstruction of the central airways and did not influence the peripheral airways. Number and severity of asthmatic attacks, cough, dyspnea and expectoration improved with both drugs. From our results we conclude that ketotifen reduces the obstruction of the central airways and also may exert a direct influence on the small airways. This drug therefore seems to possess special antiasthmatic effects. In contrast aminophylline acts as a rapidly effective bronchodilating agent with no detectable effects on the peripheral airways.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000628:Aminophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007665:Ketotifen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013806:Theophylline / Q000097:blood
D000628:Aminophylline; D013806:Theophylline; D007665:Ketotifen