A randomized placebo controlled trial to evaluate the effects of butamirate and dextromethorphan on capsaicin induced cough in healthy volunteers.

Abstract

AIMS:

The examination of cough reflex sensitivity through inhalational challenge can be utilized to demonstrate pharmacological end points. Here we compare the effect of butamirate, dextromethorphan and placebo on capsaicin-induced cough in healthy volunteers.

METHODS:

In this randomized, placebo-controlled, six way crossover study the effect of dextromethrophan 30 mg, four doses of butamirate and placebo was evaluated on incremental capsaicin challenges performed at baseline and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h following dosing. The primary end point was the area under the curve (AUC(0,12h)) of log10 C5 from pre-dose to 12 h after dosing. Plasma butamirate metabolites were analyzed to evaluate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships.

RESULTS:

Thirty-four subjects (13 males, median age 25 years) completed the study. Cough sensitivity decreased from baseline in all arms of the study. Dextromethorphan was superior to placebo (P = 0.01) but butamirate failed to show significant activity with maximum attenuation at the 45 mg dose. There was no apparent relationship between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters for butamirate.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have demonstrated for the first time that dextromethorphan attenuates capsaicin challenge confirming its broad activity on the cough reflex. The lack of efficacy of butamirate could be due to formulation issues at higher doses.

• Authors: Shoaib Faruqi, Caroline Wright, Rachel Thompson, Alyn H Morice
• Journal: British journal of clinical pharmacology (Br J Clin Pharmacol) Vol. 78 Issue 6 Pg. 1272-80 (Dec 2014) ISSN: 1365-2125 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24995954 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2014 The British Pharmacological Society.

Chemical References

• Phenylbutyrates
• Dextromethorphan
• butamirate
• Capsaicin

Topics

• Adult
• Capsaicin (adverse effects)
• Cough (chemically induced, prevention & control)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Dextromethorphan (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Healthy Volunteers
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Phenylbutyrates (pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)