An international study of 278 patients suggests an antibiotic, Telithromycin, can reduce symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. Recovery times from acute attacks were also reduced by the drug, which is used to treat sinusitis, the New England Journal of Medicine study said.
Patients in 70 centers around the world, including St Mary's Hospital in London, were enrolled in the study within 24 hours of needing medical attention for an acute asthma attack and split into two groups.
One group were given 800 mgs of Telithromycin daily for 10 days while the other received a dummy version of the drug.
Both were given the usual treatment for asthma as well. Symptoms and lung function for the patients in the Telithromycin group improved significantly compared to those given the dummy drug.
