Comparative efficacy of inhaled furosemide and disodium cromoglycate in the treatment of exercise-induced asthma in children.

BACKGROUND

Inhaled furosemide has been shown, in patients with asthma, to have prophylactic properties similar to those of disodium cromoglycate.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of these drugs in the treatment of exercise-induced asthma.

METHODS

Fifteen children with exercise-induced asthma (mean age, 10.8 years) underwent exercise challenge after a single dose of nebulized placebo, furosemide (20 mg/m7 body area), or disodium cromoglycate (20 mg), 2 days apart, in a single-blind crossover trial.

RESULTS

Both furosemide and disodium cromoglycate exerted significant protection against the bronchial response to exercise challenge, with a mean maximum percentage falls in FEV1 of 4.66% and 7.22%, respectively (p < 0.05). On the placebo day, the mean maximum percentage fall in FEV1 was 34.50% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that furosemide and disodium cromoglycate provide comparable efficacy in preventing exercise-induced asthma in children, with no side effects.