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Pulmonary function response to EDTA, an additive in nebulized bronchodilators.
M J Asmus1, M D Barros, J Liang
1Asthma Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|January 10, 2001
Summary
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in nebulized bronchodilators does not cause bronchospasm in asthma patients. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), however, does induce significant bronchospasm, potentially reducing bronchodilator effectiveness during emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Nebulized bronchodilator solutions may contain additives like EDTA and BAC.
- BAC is a known trigger for bronchoconstriction in asthma patients.
- The effects of inhaled EDTA on FEV(1) in asthma patients are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of inhaled EDTA on FEV(1) in individuals with asthma.
- To compare the bronchospastic potential of EDTA with BAC and placebo.
- To determine if EDTA in typical therapeutic doses induces bronchospasm.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized crossover study involving 18 asthma patients.
- Subjects inhaled nebulized doses of EDTA, BAC (positive control), or saline (placebo).
- FEV(1) was measured post-inhalation, with treatments repeated until a 20% FEV(1) decrease or 4 doses were given.
Main Results:
- Inhaled EDTA resulted in a minimal mean decrease in FEV(1) (1.8%), comparable to placebo (3.6%).
- BAC caused a significant mean FEV(1) decrease of 16.6%.
- The difference between EDTA and placebo was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- The concentration of EDTA in maximum recommended doses of nebulized bronchodilators does not induce bronchospasm.
- BAC significantly induces bronchospasm in asthma patients.
- BAC's bronchospastic effect may reduce bronchodilator efficacy in emergency asthma treatment.
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