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Therapeutic value of anticholinergic agents in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

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Summary

Anticholinergic agents have proved to be powerful bronchodilating drugs in various types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Atropine given as an aerosol had a stronger bronchodilating effect, even in low doses not producing side-effects, than after peroral or intramuscular administration. Sch 1000, a new quater-nized atropine derivative had a stronger and more prolonged bronchodilator effect, even in significantly lower doses, and no side effects were observed. Because of its adventageous characteristics, Sch 1000 seems to be the anticholinergic agent to be preferred in clinical practice. It shows a wider therapeutic range than the beta adrenergic agent orciprenaline. A vagus-mediated reflex mechanism may be involved in histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. Experimental results show that a cholinergic mechanism and increased parasympathetic tone are important factors in the pathological mechanism of chronic airways obstruction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chest Diseases, Semmelweis University Medical School, Budapest, Hungary

    E. Vastag, L. Nagy & G. Miskovits

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  1. E. Vastag
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  2. L. Nagy
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  3. G. Miskovits
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Vastag, E., Nagy, L. & Miskovits, G. Therapeutic value of anticholinergic agents in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 10, 201–208 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00558330

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00558330

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