Double-blind trial of a long-acting bronchodilator preparation ("Nethaprin Dospan") in bronchospastic disease

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out in 48 patients with bronchospastic disease to assess the efficacy of a long-acting bronchodilator preparation ("Nethaprin Dospan") containing etafedrine hydrochloride, bufylline, doxylamine succinate and phenylephrine. Patients received 1 tablet nightly, with an extra dose in the morning if necessary, of active drug or placebo for 1 week, and were then crossed over to the alternative medication for a further week. All patients had marked disability, apparent on initial clinical examination and on respiratory function tests. The results showed that FEV1 and VC were significantly improved with the active medication, and patients slept better, had improved appetite and suppression of cough.