[An experimental and clinical study of the effect of ketotifen in the treatment of extrinsic bronchial asthma (author's transl)].

The therapeutic value of ketotifen (Zaditen), a new anti-allergic drug, was studied in patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma. a) In 8 persons the protective effect on bronchial provocation tests with allergen was examined 3 and 14 days after treatment and compared with cromoglycate (Intal); b) 19 patients were treated for 6 months with 2 x 1 milligram ketotifen (n = 7), 2 x 2 mg ketotifen (n = 7), 2 x 1 mg clemastine (Tavegil) (n = 5). The results were as follows: a) The amount of inhaled allergen causing a fall of 20% in FEV1.0/VC was 9-12 times larger with both therapeutic regimens. b) Ketotifen definitely improved the asthmatic symptoms as compared with clemastine. The improvement was independent of the dosage. Side-effects occurred more frequently with clemastine. The study confirms the in vitro demonstrated anti-analphylactic properties of ketotifen; that it can be taken by mouth is of particular clinical interest.