EFFECTIVENESS OF BAMIPHYLLINE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE - AN OPEN COMPARATIVE-STUDY

The activity of bamiphylline administered for 14 days in a dose of 1200 mg/day was studied in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by measuring spirometric parameters, which included FEV1, vital capacity, Tiffeneau index and maximal expiratory flow rate (MEF) 25%, 50% and 75%. Changes in arterial O2 tension, CO2 tension and pH were also evaluated. Therapeutic results were compared with the effects over the same period of theophylline in a group of patients matched for age, sex and associated pathology. Changes in the parameters studied were found to be similar in the two groups, and no relevant clinical differences were observed during and at the end of the therapy. No important side effects were observed in either group. The results obtained allow the conclusion that bamiphylline, like theophylline, is well tolerated and endowed with a persistent bronchodilating action.