COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY OF PRANLUKAST AND DISODIUM CROMOGLYCATE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

Abstract

The efficacy of pranlukast hydrate (pranlukast) (7mg/kg/day in two divided doses) and that of DSCG (40mg in two divided doses) in the 8 weeks treatment of childhood asthma was compared in 20 children (2-13 years of age, median 4 years) with mild to moderate asthma without any corticosteroid treatment in randomized crossover regimen. There was no difference in clinical effect between pranlukast and DSCG. Pranlukast improved several clinical markers and reduced asthma relief medication. Furthermore, pranlukast was better than DSCG in improvement of QOL score of the patients and in preference by patients and guardians. Thus, pranlukast is effective for childhood asthma.