Prevention of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm in Asthmatic Children Effect of Aerosol and Oral Procaterol Hydrochloride

Abstract

This double-blind crossover study compared the therapeutic value of bronchodilator procaterol hydrochloride at 5 micrograms per puff by aerosol inhalation using a metered-dose inhaler and at 25 micrograms by oral administration using tablets with respective inert placebos in preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in 10 children with bronchial asthma. The two active dosage formulations produced a significant EIB inhibitory effect compared with the placebos. In a comparison of the two active preparations, the aerosol was more efficacious than the tablet in improving all respiratory parameters examined, and statistical significance was obtained in FEV1, MMEF, PEFR, V50, and V25 5 minutes after exercise. Further, the aerosol was beneficial in all subjects, while the tablet was beneficial in seven of 10.