Abstract
The safety and efficacy of a 1% nebulized cromolyn sodium solution as a bronchodilator-sparing agent were evaluated in a group of 20 young asthmatic children ranging in age from 2 to 7 years. The design of the study was a multiple-dose assessment of 20 mg aerosolized drug given four times daily via power-driven nebulizer for eight weeks, preceded by a four-week baseline period of observation. By the conclusion of the drug trial, asthmatic symptoms (dyspnea, chest tightness, wheeze, and cough) and overall assessment of frequency and severity of acute asthmatic episodes had declined significantly (p < 0.01), both as scores on patient diary cards and by physician assessment. In 15 of 20 (75%) patients, daily theophylline could be stopped during the final two weeks of the cromolyn sodium treatment period. No significant adverse reactions occurred, and there were no meaningful changes in clinical chemistry tests, hematology, and urinalysis.
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