Effect of inhaled beclomethasone and nedocromil sodium on bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine and distilled water

In a randomized, cross-over study we compared the effects of inhaled nedocromil sodium, 4 mg q.i.d., with inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate, 200 micrograms q.i.d. in 23 atopic asthmatic patients. After a 3 week single-blind placebo period, regarded as the baseline, and after 4 and 8 weeks of active treatment, drug effects were assessed with regard to bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine and distilled water, lung function and beta 2-agonist use. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, nedocromil sodium reduced the histamine responsiveness (p < 0.005 and p < 0.0005), but not the distilled water responsiveness, and did not improve lung function and peakflow measurements compared to baseline. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, beclomethasone caused a significant increase in lung function (p < 0.005) and decrease in bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine (p < 0.0005) and distilled water (p < 0.0005) as compared to baseline. beta 2-agonist use was significantly diminished after an 8 week treatment with beclomethasone, whereas nedocromil sodium had no effect. Treatment with beclomethasone was superior to treatment with nedocromil sodium with regard to bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine and distilled water (p < 0.0005 and p < 0.005), lung function (p = 0.003), peakflow measurements (p < 0.05) and beta 2-agonist use (p < 0.005).