Use of ipratropium aerosol in the long-term management of asthma

In order to assess the efficacy and safety of ipratropium in the long-term management of chronic asthma, 20 stable and ambulatory asthmatics were followed for 1 year. Clinical and spirometric examinations were performed on all 20 patients at the start of the study and on six other occasions. FEV1, FVC, MMFR, heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded immediately before and 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after the administration of 40 micrograms of ipratropium. During these visits, patients were asked to rate their breathing during the preceding period, describe (any) side effects, and assess the impact of ipratropium in their inhalation. During their visits, significant improvements in FEV1 and FVC (p less than 0.05) were noted for a majority of the patients. As the study progressed, more and more patients were observed to experience significant improvements in their FEV1, FVC, and MMFR. All ECG measurements and biochemical tests were normal. Side effects of minimal severity were reported on two occasions during the 100 patient-visits. Our study indicates that an ipratropium-based regimen is efficacious, safe, and well received by chronic asthmatics.