Effect of fenoterol hydrobromide and sodium cromoglycate individually and in combination on postexercise asthma.

A double-blind trial involving 20 asthmatic patients was carried out to test the effect of fenoterol and sodium cromoglycate alone and in combination on ventilatory function one hour after medication. The results show that fenoterol, whether alone or in combination with sodium cromoglycate, can increase the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) by up to 25% both after rest and after exercise. No patient suffered a decrease in FEV1 using fenoterol, and at least 80% of them recorded an increase in ventilatory ability. Sodium cromoglycate was of no benefit in eliminating early reaction to exercise-induced asthma.