Emanuel M B, Chamberlain J A, Whiting S, Rigden B G, Craven A H
Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1979 Feb;7(2):189-95. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb00920.x.
1 Cinnarizine, an inhibitor of calcium ion transport across smooth muscle cell membrane, has been shown to exert an anti-asthmatic effect in patients with chronic asthma. 2 It is postulated that antagonism to calcium ion transport across the mast cell membrane may cause the compound to have a pharmacological effect similar to sodium cromoglycate. 3 Cinnarizine is orally active and its therapeutic effect is demonstrated in a double-blind, cross-over, placebo controlled study. 4 Patient benefit was shown by a significant improvement in peak flow rate. A non-significant trend towards a reduction in symptomatic bronchodilator usage and a decrease in asthma symptom score was also shown. 5 It is concluded that cinnarizine could well prove to be the first of a new family of anti-asthmatic drugs offering a protective effect when taken systemically.
