Nedocromil: a new agent for the treatment of asthma

Nedocromil sodium is a recently approved anti-inflammatory medication for the treatment of mild to moderate asthma. This pyranoquinolone blocks the inflammatory response in the airways by stabilizing inflammatory cells (mast cells, bronchial epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages), by preventing local release of inflammatory mediators, and by blocking chemotaxis and preventing the release of inflammatory mediators by inflammatory cells. Nedocromil may also be effective in blocking the neurogenic component of asthma. The drug is administered by metered-dose inhaler, two 4-mg inhalations four times per day. Clinical improvement usually occurs within two to four days. Studies of patients receiving nedocromil have shown a significant decrease in the number of days lost from work or school, an increase in morning peak flow rates and a decrease in need for bronchodilator medications. Overall, only 2 to 3 percent of patients discontinue therapy because of adverse side effects. With respect to cost, nedocromil is comparable to other inhaled anti-inflammatory agents, and it is a safe and effective first-line therapy for mild to moderate asthma in patients 12 years of age or older.