A new aerosol formulation of sodium cromoglycate compared with conventional powder in the treatment of asthma.

Sodium cromoglycate formulated as a pressurised aerosol was compared with the conventional powder for a period of 12 weeks in a double-blind group comparison trial involving 48 patients. A double dummy technique was used; the dose of sodium cromoglycate was 2 mg four times daily by aerosol, and 20 mg four times daily by Spinhaler. Patients were able to use the correct technique for both aerosol and dry powder inhalation. Patients recorded the severity of their asthma symptoms, their morning and evening peak flow rate, and the amount of other asthma therapy used, on a daily diary card. They also attended the clinic every 4 weeks for assessment. A statistical comparison of the efficacy of the powder and aerosol forms found no significant differences in clinical assessment of severity, diary card symptom scores, morning and evening peak flow readings, or aerosol bronchodilator usage. Thirty-four patients considered that the aerosol was more convenient and easier to use than the dry powder inhaler.