The effect of lodoxamide tromethamine on the immediate asthmatic response to allergen provocation

The inhibition of immediate allergen-induced airflow obstruction by lodoxamide tromethamine (LT), a new drug with properties considered to be similar to those of sodium cromoglycate, was studied in twelve young asthmatic volunteers. Single aerosolized doses of 0 X 01 mg LT, 0 X 1 mg LT or placebo were administered by inhalation 15 min prior to allergen provocation at weekly intervals, in a double-blind random order study. Following inhalation of both doses of LT a significantly greater amount of allergen had to be administered to cause a 20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) from control levels than was the case following placebo pre-treatment (P less than 0 X 001). After single-dose inhalation of LT only minor unwanted effects were recorded; in particular a transient feeling of heat in the upper respiratory tract after inhalation of the higher dose of drug.