Response of aspirin-allergic patients to challenge by some analgesics in common use

Challenge tests with some analgesics in common use were performed in five aspirin-sensitive asthmatics. Marked falls in FEV(1) were observed after ingestion of paracetamol, indomethacin, mefenamic acid, and dextropropoxyphene in some subjects. The mechanisms of analgesic-induced asthma are discussed: it is believed to be a non-immunological process of great practical importance when prescribing analgesics to asthmatics.