Double-blind trial of a long-acting bronchodilator preparation (‘ethaprin Dospan’) in bronchospastic disease

Summary

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out in 48 patients with bronchospastic disease to assess the efficacy of a long-acting bronchodilator preparation Nethaprin Dospan')containing etafedrine hydrochloride, bufylline, doxylamine succinate and phenylephrine. Patients received 1 tablet nightly, with an extra dose in the morning if necessary, of active drug or placebo for 1 week, and were then crossed over to the alternative medication for a further week. All patients had marked disability, apparent on initial clinical examination and on respiratory function tests. The results showed that FEV₁and VC were significantly improved with the active medication, and patients slept better, had improved appetite and suppression of cough.

Key Words::

• Bronchodilator agents
• bronchial spasm
• respiratory function tests
• delayed-action preparations