I. Bernstein
Oct 1, 1981
Citations
0
Influential Citations
31
Citations
Journal
The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
Abstract
Ten years ago a multicenter controlled study sponsored by the Drug Committee of the American Academy of Allergy reported its results about the efficacy and safety of cromolyn sodium. ’ This clinical trial revealed significant improvement of asthmatic symptoms and reduced requirements for concurrent medications while patients were treated with cromolyn sodium. Adverse effects were minimal. Soon after the publication of these conclusions, the drug was approved for general medical use by the Food and Drug Administration. Release of the drug was greeted enthusiastically by the medical profession in the expectation that it would introduce a new rationale for long-term treatment of asthmatic patients. Unfortunately, this anticipation was premature, for in contrast to its use as a first-line preventive agent in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, there was confusion about the selection criteria of this drug in the United States. Cromolyn was often held in reserve, and when a treatment decision was made it was channeled to a