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Cromolyn versus nedocromil: duration of action in exercise-induced asthma in children

F M de Benedictis1, G Tuteri, P Pazzelli

  • 1Children's Hospital, University of Perugia, Italy.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium equally prevent exercise-induced asthma in children for under two hours. Both inhaled medications showed significant protection compared to placebo at 20 minutes post-inhalation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology
  • Exercise Physiology

Background:

  • Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition in children.
  • Current treatments aim to prevent EIA symptoms during physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and duration of action of inhaled cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium in preventing EIA in children.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of these medications at clinically recommended doses.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, crossover study involving 13 children with asthma.
  • Participants received inhaled cromolyn sodium (10 mg), nedocromil sodium (4 mg), or placebo via metered dose inhaler.
  • Standard exercise tests were conducted 20 minutes and 140 minutes after drug inhalation.

Main Results:

  • Both cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium demonstrated significantly greater protection against EIA than placebo at the 20-minute mark.
  • No significant difference in efficacy was observed between cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium.
  • At 140 minutes post-inhalation, no significant difference in protection was found between the active drugs and placebo.

Conclusions:

  • At the tested doses, cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium offer comparable protection against exercise-induced asthma in children.
  • The protective effect of both medications lasts for less than two hours.

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