[Chronic obstructive bronchitis. Effect of Gelomyrtol forte in a placebo-controlled double-blind study]

In a double-blind study involving two groups of ten patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, the expectorant Gelomyrtol forte was tested against placebo for its effectiveness and tolerance. The parameters: amount of sputum, Rt and IGV, together with all the usual clinical laboratory parameters, were determined. In addition, the color of the sputum was always noted. On the basis of patient scores, daily entries on the ability to expectorate, attacks of coughing, general coughing, and shortness of breath were made by the patients for the duration of the 14-day treatment period. On conclusion of the study, the patients were asked to assess the effectiveness of the supplementary medication, and the care-providing physician also assessed effectiveness. All score parameters related to coughing improved, in some cases appreciably, relative to the placebo group. The findings in term of sputum volume and color, were also distinctly better in the Gelomyrtol forte group. Correspondingly, both patients and physicians assessed the effectiveness of Gelomyrtol forte to be distinctly better than that of the placebo. Although the groups are relatively too small and heterogeneous, to establish statistically significant differences, the results do strongly suggest a favorable and major effect in patients with relevant cough symptoms. Both subjective and objective tolerance was excellent.