Effect of inhaled diphemanil methylsulfate, a parasympatholytic agent, on histamine induced bronchoconstriction in asymptomatic asthmatics

Parenterally administered diphemanil methylsulfate, a quarternary ammonium compound with both parasympatholytic and direct bronchial smooth muscle relaxing properties, has been found effective in the treatment of bronchial asthma. The present study was undertaken to test the effectiveness of inhaled diphemanil in preventing histamine induced bronchoconstriction in asymptomatic adult asthmatics. Twenty subjects, aged 19-40 years (average 25) were studied, each on three different days, observing an interval of at least 70 hours between testing. On day one, airway sensitivity to inhaled histamine was determined. On days two and three, histamine challenge was repeated 20 minutes after inhalation of either diphemanil (2 mg) or its vehicle in a double-blind crossover design. Airway sensitivity was assessed by determining cumulative log dose units of inhaled histamine required to provoke a 20% decline in FEV1 (log PD20 - FEV1). Diphemanil did not prevent histamine induced bronchoconstriction nor did it significantly affect log PD20 - FEV1 (p = 0.59). We conclude that a 2 mg dose of diphemanil, administered by oral inhalation 20 minutes before histamine challenge, is ineffective in protecting against induced bronchospasm in asymptomatic adult asthmatics.