Effect of H1- and H2-receptor antagonists on sputum volume and lung function in patients with generalized bronchiectasis.

In a placebo-controlled trial, the effect was assessed of an histamine H1-receptor antagonist, terfenadine (60 mg twice daily) and an H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine (400 mg twice daily) on the sputum production, dyspnoea score and lung function of 12 adult patients with generalized bronchiectasis. Three of these patients had cystic fibrosis. Neither drug, whether given alone or in combination, had any demonstrable effect on any of the parameters measured. It is concluded that histamine plays no significant role in the bronchial hypersecretion occurring in bronchiectasis.