Effect of aerosolised verapamil and nifedipine in bronchial asthma

Twenty patients of bronchial asthma were given 5 mg of either nifedipine or verapamil as aerosol therapy in a randomized fashion. Both drugs showed a statistically significant improvement in FVC, PEFR at zero hours lasting through 90-120 minutes. Changes in respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure were insignificant with verapamil while appreciable tachycardia and transient fall in BP occurred with nifedipine therapy.