ABSTRACT
The effect of a pressurized aerosol formulation of sodium cromoglycate divided in doses of 8 mg a day was compared with that of a standard sodium cromoglycate powder (80 mg a day) in a double blind crossover trial lasting 16 weeks. No significant differences between the two formulations were detected in terms of patients' asthma severity and lung function, recorded monthly at the clinic and daily by the patients. The pressurized aerosol in a much smaller dose appears to be as effective a method as standard cromoglycate, and an alternative method of inhaling sodium cromoglycate for patients who prefer an aerosol to a dry powder formulation.
Subject(s)
Asthma/drug therapy , Cromolyn Sodium/therapeutic use , Administration, Intranasal , Adolescent , Adult , Aerosols , Aged , Asthma/diagnosis , Cromolyn Sodium/administration & dosage , Cromolyn Sodium/adverse effects , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Peak Expiratory Flow Rate , PowdersABSTRACT
In a double-blind trial, beclomethasone dipropionate inhaled as a dry powder in doses of 200 micrograms three times a day was compared with the conventional aerosol of 100 micrograms three times a day, each for a period of 4 weeks. Neither the dry powder nor the aerosol showed any significant advantage over each other in terms of ventilatory function. Plasma cortisol levels were unaltered with the two medications in spite of the doubled dose of the corticosteroid powder. Choice of one or the other method of administration of medication depended on patient preference and the ease with which he could familiarize himself with either technique.
