Near-fatal bronchospasm in an asthmatic patient following ingestion of flurbiprofen. A case report.

Aspirin and other inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase are known to precipitate bronchospasm in sensitive individuals. We describe a 42-year-old patient with mild asthma who had a near-fatal attack of bronchospasm and required intermittent positive pressure ventilation and resuscitation following ingestion of a single tablet of flurbiprofen (Froben; Boots). When prescribing such agents, an appropriate history should be taken, and when asthma or hypersensitivity to related drugs is suspected, oral challenge with a small test dose and administration of the first dose under supervision are essential.