DRUGS TO BE USED WITH CAUTION IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA

Asthma affects 5 to 10 percent of the U.S. population. Drug interactio ns may result in an acute exacerbation of asthma. Aspirin, beta-adrene rgic antagonists and radiocontrast agents may precipitate or worsen as thma symptoms. The use of first-generation antihistamines has generall y been avoided in asthmatic patients, but they are safe to use. Nonsed ating antihistamines are well tolerated; however, they may have seriou s adverse effects because they may react with other medications. Final ly, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors can cause symptoms that m ake it appear as if the patient's asthma is poorly controlled, possibl y leading to an inappropriate increase in asthma therapy. Insight into these five classes of drugs may help physicians prevent adverse outco mes in patients with asthma.