A steroid sparing effect of ketotifen in steroid-dependent asthmatics

In a multicentre, double-blind trial, the steroid sparing effect of a new anti-anaphylactic agent ketotifen was assessed against placebo in eighty-six steroid-dependent asthmatics. Mean reduction in total daily prednisolone dosage in patients on ketotifen was 4.0 ± 3.6 mg compared to 1.7 ± 2.8 mg on placebo, a result significantly in favour of the active drug (P <0.01). This suggests that ketotifen has a place similar to that of disodium cromoglycate or steroid aerosols in the managment of steroid-dependent asthmatics. It has the advantage of requiring only twice-daily oral administration.