Delivery of sodium cromoglycate by pressurized aerosol

Sodium cromoglycate (SCG) has recently been formulated as a pressurized aerosol. Twenty-five asthmatic outpatients taking SCG via the Spinhaler were studied in a double-dummy, double-blind cross-over trial in which subjects took Spincaps containing 20 mg of SCG for 2 months, and for the alternate 2 months were treated with SCG aerosol delivering 1 mg/actuation. There was no evidence of clinical deterioration occurring during the period on aerosol SCG. During this period however cough frequency was significantly lower and when data for the 8-13 and 14-46 year age groups were analysed separately, this decrease was seen to be confined to the younger group. Furthermore, this group but not the adults, showed a significant improvement in morning peak expiratory flow rate. We conclude that the aerosol preparation of SCG is a useful alternative to delivery by Spinhaler for patients who are able to coordinate, and that it may have special advantages for children.