Some effects of prolonged treatment with nicardipine in chronic bronchial asthma

A study was carried out in 10 patients with chronic non-severe asthma to investigate the effects of prolonged treatment with the calcium blocker, nicardipine. Patients received 60 mg nicardipine daily for 3 months. Measurements were taken before and after treatment of FEV1, PaO2 and PD20 his. The results showed no statistically significant effect on FEV1. Although there was a statistically significant decrease in PaO2 this was not important clinically. There was a statistically significant increase in PD20 his, demonstrating the protective effect of nicardipine on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. Breathlessness was reduced in 70% of the patients and the drug was well tolerated throughout the study.