AZithromycin Against pLacebo in Exacerbations of Asthma
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Acute attacks (exacerbations) of asthma are common and cause a great deal of suffering in
asthmatic patients. Current treatments for asthma attacks are not completely effective and
new and better treatments are needed. Viruses often cause asthma attacks and bacterial lung
infections have also been associated with asthma attacks. However, the role for bacteria is
uncertain. Current asthma guidelines for doctors treating asthma exacerbations do not
recommend the routine use of antibiotics. The investigators would like to investigate whether
or not azithromycin, which is a safe and well tolerated antibiotic (an antibacterial) that
has been used for many years in the treatment of respiratory disease, might be of benefit in
asthma attacks. As there is some evidence that azithromycin has anti-viral properties this
may add to its benefits (antibiotics don't usually affect viruses). By looking at the effect
of azithromycin on asthma attacks this will help us to show whether or not azithromycin
should be recommended during an acute asthma attack in addition to the usual care that is
provided to these patients as it may help them recover quicker from the exacerbation. The
investigators will also be able to look at why azithromycin may be effective - if it is
having an anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral effect.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Imperial College London
Collaborator:
National Institute for Health Research, United Kingdom