A steroid sparing effect of ketotifen in steroid‐dependent asthmatics

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Abstract
Summary: In a multicentre, double‐blind trial, the steroid sparing effect of a new anti‐anaphylactic agent ketotifen was assessed against placebo in eighty‐six steroid‐dependent asthmatics. Mean reduction in total daily prednisolone dosage in patients on ketotifen was 4.0 ± 3.6 mg compared to 1.7 ± 2.8 mg on placebo, a result significantly in favour of the active drug (P <0.01). This suggests that ketotifen has a place similar to that of disodium cromoglycate or steroid aerosols in the managment of steroid‐dependent asthmatics. It has the advantage of requiring only twice‐daily oral administration.