Mucosolvan is a ‘mucus-modifier’ whose active compound is ambroxol. The aim of our research was to determine its clinical efficacy in the treatment of bronchial stasis by carrying out two successive double-blind studies in two parallel groups of patients and comparing ambroxol with placebo in a treatment lasting 10 days. The first trial involving 60 patients daily treated with 120 mg of ambroxol showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in sputum volume, sputum viscosity, difficulty of expectoration, and severity of cough when compared with the placebo group. The two groups of patients were initially well matched and the drug was well tolerated. In a second trial involving 60 new patients daily treated with 30 mg of ambroxol, the drug showed no clear clinical effects. We conclude that ambroxol is an effective ‘mucus modifier’ and is well tolerated at a dose of 120 mg/day.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) from vascular endothelium in the control of GnRH release at the median eminence (ME) level is well established. Interactions between NPY receptor/endothelium/nitric oxide are clearly demonstrated. While several studies implicate NPY Y1 receptor in the control of GnRH/LH at the time of the preovulatory LH surge, our results also demonstrate the importance of NPY Y2 receptor in the control of GnRH release via endothelial NO. We conclude that NPY may be one of the elements implicated in the generation of the spontaneous NO/GnRH via Y2 receptor located on endothelium.

A 2-month study was carried out to compare the efficacy and safety of Berodual® (B) (Boehringer Ingelheim) and salbutamol (S) in asthma. B is a combined agent with 20 µg of ipratropium bromide and 50 µg of fenoterol in each metered aerosol puff. Each puff of S contained 100 µg of drug. 196 patients were included in the study and received 4 × 2 puffs a day of either B or S. FEV₁ and FVC were measured every month, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) 4 times a day, i.e. morning and evening before and after administration of drug. Improvement of PEFR was the same in the two groups. No tachyphylaxis occurred. No difference was observed between the two drugs with regard to heart and respiratory rate, dyspnea and blood pressure. Tremor seemed less frequent with B but this difference was not statistically significant. B achieved the same effects as S though containing less beta-2-agonist agent.

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