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Adverse effects of brompheniramine on pulmonary function in a subset of asthmatic children

D E Schuller

    The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
    |August 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Certain asthmatic children may experience harmful effects from antihistamines. Brompheniramine maleate and combination decongestant-antihistamines significantly decreased pulmonary function in a subset of children studied.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Pulmonology
    • Allergy and Immunology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • The safety and efficacy of antihistamines in pediatric asthma management remain debated.
    • Previous research yielded conflicting results regarding antihistamine use in asthmatic patients.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the potential adverse effects of antihistamines on pulmonary function in children with asthma.
    • To identify a specific subset of asthmatic children who may be negatively impacted by antihistamine therapy.

    Main Methods:

    • A challenge study involving 10 asthmatic children reporting adverse reactions to brompheniramine maleate and 10 controls.
    • Pulmonary function tests were conducted after administration of brompheniramine maleate, a decongestant-antihistamine combination, and placebo.
    • Theophylline premedication was used in the study group to assess its protective effect.

    Main Results:

    • A statistically significant decline in pulmonary function was observed in the study group when challenged with brompheniramine maleate and the decongestant-antihistamine preparation.
    • No significant changes in pulmonary function were noted in the control group or in the study group when given placebo.
    • Theophylline premedication successfully prevented the decrease in pulmonary function in the study group.

    Conclusions:

    • A distinct subgroup of asthmatic children exists for whom antihistamine use, specifically brompheniramine maleate, may be detrimental.
    • These findings suggest that caution is warranted when prescribing antihistamines to certain pediatric asthma patients.
    • Theophylline may serve as a prophylactic measure against antihistamine-induced bronchoconstriction in susceptible individuals.

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