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Nifedipine does not alter methacholine-induced bronchial reactivity.
Annals of Allergy
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, did not change bronchial reactivity in patients with asthma. While lung function remained similar, patients reported fewer symptoms after nifedipine administration.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Calcium ions play a role in smooth muscle contraction and secretion.
- Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker with no intrinsic bronchodilatory effect.
- Nifedipine's potential to inhibit bronchial reactivity has been investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of nifedipine on methacholine-induced bronchial reactivity in patients with normal pulmonary function.
- To assess whether nifedipine alters the objective measures of bronchial reactivity or subjective patient symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Eight patients with existing bronchial reactivity underwent two methacholine challenges.
- Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) and airway resistance measurements were performed before and after nifedipine administration.
- Patients received escalating doses of methacholine after saline inhalation.
Main Results:
- Nifedipine did not significantly alter baseline spirometry, lung function at any methacholine level, or airway resistance.
- Reductions in FEV1, FVC, MMEF, and PEFR were comparable between the initial and post-nifedipine challenges.
- Despite similar objective lung function changes, patients reported reduced symptoms after nifedipine.
Conclusions:
- Nifedipine does not modify methacholine-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
- Nifedipine may alter symptom perception in asthmatic patients.
- Caution is advised when prescribing nifedipine to asthmatic patients with heart disease due to potential altered symptom perception.