The protective effect of Ketotifen in respiratory allergy

During the last two years many works have dealt with the anti-anaphylactic properties of HC 20-511, which chemically belongs to the cycloheptathiophene group of drugs. The excellent results obtained by different authors using this drug in various allergies, decided us to study its protective use in patients affected by rhinitis and/or extrinsec bronchial asthma, especially in connection with pollinoisis. We selected a group of patients of both sexes over 12 years of age, including those who had already received immunotherapy treatment. Diagnosis was determined by means of a clear clinical history, skin tests, and exposure tests to specific antigens, using the Gronemeyer and Fuchs method. The drug was administered orally (1 mg./twice a day) for 3 months. Exposition tests were carried out before beginning treatment and at 30 and 90 days, and measurement of vital capacity, FEV1, Maximal flow and Pneumometry were carried out. A check on the clinical state of the patient, as well as on his tolerance to the drug, and on additional intake of other anti-asthmatic drugs (corticoids, Beta-stimulants) was made every 15 days. The results were highly satisfactory and a positive improvement in the clinical state of 70% of the patients after three months of treatment was noticed. When carrying out bronchial provocation tests, a minor decrease in FEV1 as well as in bronchopneumetric values were undoubtedly noticed in the patients under treatment when compared with the basal tests. Tolerance to the drug was excellent, its undesirable effects being secondary to its antihistaminic activity.