Long-term trial of an alpha adrenoceptor blocking drug (Indoramin) in asthma. A preliminary report.

Eight patients suffering from both asthma and migraine underwent a clinical trial for 3 months of indoramin, an alpha adrenoceptor antagonist with antihistamine and antiserotonin activity. Patients were told indoramin was prescribed for migraine prophylaxis. In three asthmatic patients there was a marked increase in airflow meter (AFM) readings which were recorded daily, the remaining five showing no significant change or a decrease in AFM readings. Indoramin did not appear to potentiate the action of the beta sympathomimetic aerosols. It is suggested that a small population of asthmatic patients may derive therapeutic benefit from an alpha adrenoceptor antagonist. Seven of the eight patients experienced a 50% decrease in the frequency of their migraine headaches.