Nedocromil sodium vs. sodium cromoglycate pressurized aerosol in the prevention of bronchoconstriction induced by ultrasonic nebulized distilled water in asthmatic children.

To compare the effectiveness of nedocromil sodium (NS) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG), administered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a 700 mL holding chamber (Fisonair Fisons UK) in preventing bronchoconstriction induced by inhalation of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (UNDW), 12 asthmatic children were studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, intrapatient study. Following a baseline challenge with UNDW, the protective effect of NS, SCG, or placebo was evaluated in each subject. Cumulative doses of delivered nebulized water producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (PD20 UNDW) was measured. Mean (+/- SD) PD20 UNDW was 4.83 (+/- 4.84), 10.16 (+/- 7.05), 1.58 (+/- 0.5), and 15.93 (+/- 0.23) respectively, for baseline, and placebo, SCG, and NS-treated groups. A significant (P < 0.05) protection from UNDW induced bronchoconstriction by NS was observed in comparison with placebo, while no such effect was evident when the children were treated with SCG.