Long-term treatment with oral nifedipine plus theophylline in the management of chronic bronchial asthma.

The effect on bronchial smooth muscle of slow release theophylline plus placebo and theophylline plus slow release nifedipine administered for a prolonged period to 12 asthmatic and hypertensive patients has been studied. Both combinations led to a significant improvement in respiratory function parameters when compared to baseline values. No additional improvement in pulmonary function was found on long term treatment with theophylline plus nifedipine. A reduction in the number of asthmatic attacks, in the use of inhaled beta 2-agonists and better control of arterial blood pressure resulted from use of theophylline plus nifedipine. That drug combination is safe and valuable in patients with chronic bronchial obstruction and cardiovascular disease.