[Short Communication: Rotation-viscosimetric determinations of the effect of ipratropiumbromide on bronchial excretion/a double blind study].

In a double blind cross-over study using randomized selection the effects of 3 x 2 puffs (8r)-3alpha-hydroxy-8-isopropyl-1aH, 5aH-tropaniumbromide-(+/-)-tropate (ipratropiumbromide, Sch 1000, Atrovent) (0.02 mg per puff) from a metered dose inhaler were compared with placebo in 25 patients. The parameters studied were the amount of morning sputum, sputum viscosity as measured by rotational viscosimetry and total airways resistance (Rt) measured by whole-body plethysmography during 2 successive treatment periods, each of 5 days, sepraated by 2 rest days. The patient material consisted of 16 males and 9 females, ages 21-66 (mean 47), 15 of whom had bronchial asthma and 10 chronic bronchitis. Both groups received multiple supplementary viscosity or volume but the Rt was significantly decreased by 11-15% only after ipratropiumbromide when measured 10 min after inhalation. Non-characteristic side effects occurred with equal frequency in the ipratropiumbromide and placebo groups. Therefore ipratropiumbromide has a clear bronchospasmolytic action without secretion-inhibiting properties if used in therapeutic dosage.