Tiaramide--a new oral drug for the treatment of asthma.

1 TIaramide, an anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits the action of mediators released from mast cells and has direct smooth muscle relaxant properties. It may therefore have a beneficial effect in asthma. 2 A double-blind crossover trial comparing the bronchodilator activity of tiaramide and placebo over 16 days was undertaken in 13 patients with asthma. 3 Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was recorded on three separate occasions every day and frequency of salbutamol aerosol usage was noted on a diary card. 4 During treatment with tiaramide the mean mid-morning PEFR (362 1/min) was higher than mean PEFR on placebo (328) (P less than 0.001) as was the evening PEFR (378) compared with placebo (388) (P less than 0.001). 5 There was a significant reduction in daily use of the salbutamol inhaler whilst on tiaramide (1.8) compared with placebo (2.3) (P less than 0.05). 6. Tiaramide may be a useful addition to existing prophylactic treatment for asthma.