Nedocromil and exercise-induced asthma: acute and chronic effects.
BACKGROUND
Nedocromil sodium confers both acute and chronic protective effects in patients with bronchial asthma, the interactions of which are unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To examine to what extent and for how long nedocromil sodium prevents exercise-induced asthma when given immediately before exertion compared to chronic administration.


METHODS
Eighteen asthmatic patients were given 4 mg NS at 30 min or 3.5 hours before exertion. We compared the resultant effect with that of the same protocol measured after 2 and 4 weeks of continuous treatment with the drug.


RESULTS
Nedocromil sodium decreased exercise-induced asthma similarly at both points when given acutely. Chronic treatment of up to 4 weeks did not improve this protective effect at either interval following the inhalation.


CONCLUSIONS
Nedocromil sodium most likely reaches its maximal effect on exercise-induced asthma upon the first administration, although treatment for longer than 4 weeks might be required to prove a chronic effect of the drug.
Kivity
S
S
Chest and Allergy Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel.
Onn
A
A
Greif
Y
Y
Fireman
E
E
Pomeranz
S
S
Topilsky
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017835:Nedocromil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014797:Vital Capacity
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D017835:Nedocromil