ABSTRACT
This open-label study was performed to characterize the acceptance, reliability, and adverse event profile of a dry powder delivery system for albuterol. A total of 1235 asthmatic outpatients, aged 11 to 84 years, were studied for 1 month. Each patient enrolled was documented as having a specific complaint concerning the use of a standard metered-dose inhaler. At the end of 4 weeks of treatment, the patients completed a questionnaire to record their opinions and preferences. The results were as follows: 93% stated that Rotacaps were easy to use; 92% that they could use Rotacaps during an asthma attack; 99% that they had no problems with breakage of the device; 94% that the drug tasted pleasant or had no taste; 70% that they could inhale a full dose with one breath; and 79% that Rotacaps were at least as effective as the metered-dose inhaler they had used previously. Drug-related adverse events were reported by 6% of the patients; no single event was reported by more than 1% of the patients. The results indicate that Rotacaps are a safe, effective, and well-accepted alternative to metered-dose inhalers in asthmatic patients.
Subject(s)
Albuterol/administration & dosage , Asthma/drug therapy , Administration, Inhalation , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Albuterol/adverse effects , Albuterol/therapeutic use , Asthma/psychology , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Patient ComplianceABSTRACT
The effect of vitamin C pretreatment in preventing ragweed-induced bronchospasm was evaluated in 6 ragweed-sensitive asthmatics studied in a double-blind randomized fashion. The patients received either lactose capsules or 500 mg of ascorbic acid and were studied out of season. Antigen dose-response curves were determined prior to the administration of lactose or ascorbic acid in each individual subject and subsequently after administration of ascorbic acid or lactose. Bothe PD20FEV1 (provocation dose necessary for a 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and PD35SGaw (provocation dose necessary for a 35% reduction in specific airways conductance) were determined. In none of the six patients was there a change in baseline FEV 1 (p greater than 0.70) nor the overall average baseline specific airways conductance (rho greater than 0.90). Additionally, no statistically significant difference (p greater than 0.60) was noted between log PD35SGaw vitamin C day and lactose day. Likewise, no statistically significant difference (p greater than 0.60) was evident when comparing log PD20FEV1 lactose and ascorbic acid days. Vitamin C (500 MG) HAS NO PROTECTIVE EFFECT AGAINST RAGWEED ANTIGEN-INDUCED BRONCHOSPASM.
Subject(s)
Antigens , Ascorbic Acid/pharmacology , Bronchial Spasm/prevention & control , Adult , Clinical Trials as Topic , Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Lactose/pharmacology , MaleABSTRACT
A patient who claimed benefit from aspirin for her reversible bronchospasm was challenged orally in a placebo-controlled study with aspirin and other aspirin-like drugs. Specific airways conductance and spirometry were monitored for up to 150 minutes after oral challenge. Aspirin, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen administration resulted in marked (45% to 80%) improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared to lactose placebo. Indomethacin, sodium salicylate, and tartrazine resulted in modest (15% to 25%) FEV1 improvement, while phenylbutazone produced a 25% decrease. These results are discussed here in terms of the ability of these drugs to inhibit the prostaglandin synthetase enzyme system. This case suggests that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be beneficial rather than harmful in some asthmatic patients.
