Effects of nedocromil sodium in the treatment of non-allergic subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background - Nedocromil sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is effective in the treatment of asthma. Its efficacy in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been investigated. Methods - Fifty four non-allergic patients with COPD were randomised to 10 weeks of treatment with placebo or nedocromil sodium (4 x 8 mg/day) in a double blind study. Results - Nedocromil sodium treatment had no effect on airway responsiveness to histamine, methacholine, and adenosine- 5'-monophosphate, pulmonary function, and symptom scores. Both patients and clinicians favoured treatment with nedocromil sodium, however, and the number ofdropouts (because ofexacerbations) was fewer during treatment with the drug. Conclusions - Longer trials will be necessary to assess ifnedocromil sodium can reduce the frequency of exacerbations and the decrease in pulmonary function, eventually leading to a better quality of life in patients with COPD.