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 μg per puff by aerosol inhalation using a metered-dose inhaler and at 25 μg 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.