Cromolyn versus nedocromil: duration of action in exercise-induced asthma in children.

Cromolyn sodium (10 mg), nedocromil sodium (4 mg), and placebo, all delivered by a metered dose inhaler, were compared in their efficacy and duration of action in preventing exercise-induced asthma in children. After a screening test was performed, 13 patients with asthma performed standard exercise tests 20 minutes and 140 minutes after drug inhalation in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Both drugs were significantly more protective than placebo after 20 minutes, but no significant difference was seen between cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium. No difference between active drugs and placebo was found 140 minutes after inhalation. At these clinically recommended doses both cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium provide equal protection against exercise-induced asthma, and the duration of action of both lasts for less than 2 hours.