Long-Term Modification on Histamine-Induced Bronchoconstriction by Disodium Cromoglycate and Ketotifen versus Placebo

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Abstract
To compare long-term changes induced on a wide spectrum of bronchial hyperreactivity (BH) by the antiallergic drugs disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and ketotifen, 56 asthmatic patients (age 15-55 yr) were studied. Patients were allocated to 3 groups with similar age and BH level. During 2 mo., 15 individuals inhaled 20 mg DSCG 4 times a day, 14 took ketotifen 1 mg twice a day orally and 14 one placebo (lactose) capsule twice a day. After preliminary results, an additional group of 13 patients took clemastine 1 mg orally twice a day for 1 wk. Only the ketotifen and clemastine groups differed significantly from the placebo group on shifting log dose-response curves of inhaled histamine. No significant difference was seen between the ketotifen and clemastine groups. Changes induced by ketotifen were probably mainly related to its powerful antihistamine action; similarly, nonspecific BH is not wholly dependent on mediator release.