HIGH-DOSE NEDOCROMIL SODIUM AS AN ADDITION TO INHALED CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial nedocromil sodium in a dose of 8 mg four times daily or matching placebo was added to the treatment of 29 asthmatic patients. All patients were taking inhaled corticosteroids in a dose of up to 1000μg daily. The trial agents were given for 6 weeks after a 2-week run-in period. Twenty-four patients completed the study, three withdrew because of adverse effects, two on placebo. Daytime asthma symptoms were significantly reduced on nedocromil compared to placebo (−0·46 vs.+0·09, P=0·03). Night-time asthma and morning tightness were not changed significantly. Bronchodilator use in the night and day were lower on nedocromil but the differences were not significant. Morning peak flow rates were higher on nedocromil (+22·2 vs. +0·08, P=0·06) and physicians opinions of overall effectiveness favoured nedocromil (U=35·0, P=0·04). These results confirm that nedocromil sodium may be a useful addition in asthma to low to medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids. The effects of 32 mg nedocromil daily were comparable to previous reports with lower doses. © 1994, W. B. Saunders Company Ltd. All rights reserved.