A double-blind comparative study of pelletized cromolyn versus cromolyn blend in the treatment of asthma.

In a randomized, double-blind, group comparative study, 100 asthmatic patients known to be responsive to cromolyn sodium were treated either with pelletized cromolyn (cromolyn sodium, 20 mg) or with cromolyn blend, Intal (cromolyn sodium, 20 mg + lactose, 20 mg). There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups for asthma severity, breathlessness on exertion, cough, the number of inhalations needed to obtain the dose from the capsule, and morning peak flow. No local or systemic side effects were encountered during the 6-month duration of the study. It is concluded that pelletized cromolyn offers most of the advantages of cromolyn therapy without the need for the patients to inhale lactose at the same time. Also, pelletized cromolyn has a distinct therapeutic advantage for use in lactose-in-tolerant patients.