A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial on the management of post-infective cough by inhaled ipratropium and salbutamol administered in combination

Publication date: Available online 8 August 2014 Source:Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Author(s): Alessandro Zanasi , Marzia Lecchi , Manuela Del Forno , Elisa Fabbri , Marianna Mastroroberto , Massimiliano Mazzolini , Lara Pisani , Paolo Pandolfi , Stefano Nava , Antonio Maria Morselli-Labate Post-viral cough is a type of cough originating from upper respiratory tract infections that persists after the infection is resolved. Although it was hypothesized that bronchodilators might have a role in the management of post-viral cough, a clear demonstration of their efficacy is missing. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of a combination of a β-agonist and an anticholinergic agent in reducing post-viral cough with a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. Patients were treated for 10 days with either a nebulized combination of salbutamol 1.875 mg/0.5 mL and ipratropium bromide 0.375 mg/0.5 mL, or a placebo, and followed up for another 10 days. Daytime and nighttime cough severity and spirometry testing were assessed before starting treatment, after 10 and 20 days. Ninety-two patients were randomized to receive placebo (n = 46) or the active treatment (n = 46); nine of them (4 in the placebo group, 5 in the active treatment group) dropped out from the study. Daytime and nighttime cough severity were significantly reduced in both groups during the study period, but the reduction was more prominent in the active treatment grou...
Source: Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research