Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026
Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
Inhibition of exercise-induced-asthma (EIA) by nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate in children
E Novembre1, G F Frongia, G Veneruso
1Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale A. Meyer, Florence, Italy.
Insights
Both nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate effectively prevent exercise-induced asthma in children. Nedocromil sodium showed slightly better efficacy than sodium cromoglycate, with no observed side effects for either medication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition in children, impacting their quality of life.
- Current treatments aim to prevent bronchoconstriction triggered by physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of nedocromil sodium (Ned) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG) in preventing exercise-induced asthma in children.
- To evaluate the safety profile of both medications at the dosages used.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 19 asthmatic children (aged 6-15 years).
- Participants underwent a treadmill exercise test before and 20 minutes after a single dose of Ned (4 mg), SCG (10 mg), or placebo.
- Key efficacy measures included forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25-75).
Main Results:
- Both Ned and SCG demonstrated significantly better protection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction compared to placebo.
- Ned showed a statistically significant reduction in FEV1 fall (11.0 +/- 12.4%) compared to placebo (26.1 +/- 14.9%, p < 0.01).
- SCG also showed a significant reduction in FEV1 fall (14.6 +/- 11.5%, p < 0.05) versus placebo. Nedocromil sodium exhibited a slightly superior overall performance and efficacy at specific time points.
- Complete protection was achieved in 14 patients with Ned, 9 with SCG, and 2 with placebo.
- No adverse events were reported for either active treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate are effective in preventing exercise-induced asthma in children.
- Nedocromil sodium demonstrated a trend towards superior efficacy compared to sodium cromoglycate at the tested dosages.
- Both medications are well-tolerated, suggesting a favorable safety profile for managing EIA in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Nedocromil sodium (Ned) 4 mg, sodium cromoglycate (SCG) 10 mg, and placebo were compared for their efficacy in preventing exercise-induced asthma. Nineteen asthmatic children aged six to 15 years performed a treadmill exercise test before and 20' after a single dose of drug in a double-blind trial. Both active drugs performed significantly better than placebo; in fact the exercise challenge resulted in a mean maximum fall in FEV1 of 26.1 +/- 14.9% after placebo, but only of 14.6 +/- 11.5% after SCG (P < 0.05), and 11.0 +/- 12.4% after Ned (p < 0.01). Measurements of PEFR gave similar results, while the effect of treatment on FEF 25-75 was significant for Ned alone (p < 0.05). Direct comparison between Ned and SCG at different time points demonstrated significant differences in FEV1 at 1 min (p < 0.05) with a better overall performance of Ned. In individual patients, complete protection was provided in 9 patients with SCG, in 14 patients with Ned and in 2 with placebo. No side effects were observed. This study suggests that at the dosages used there are only slight differences between SCG and Ned activity in the prevention of exercise-induced asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:24Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:20Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...