Bronchospasm caused by intravenous hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Solu-Cortef) in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics

Eleven patients with intrinsic asthma and aspirin sensitivity were challenged with intravenous hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Solu-Cortef; the Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Mich.). Three patients showed definite evidence of bronchospasm, which was easily reversed by subcutaneous administration of epinephrine. Evidence is presented which suggests that this reaction was not caused by other constituents of the preparation but rather was caused by Solu-Cortef alone. No atopy was demonstrated in the group as a whole, and the reaction observed was probably nonallergic in nature. We suggest the replacement of intravenous hydrocortisone sodium succinate with dexamethasone in the treatment of such a population.