Effects of naftidrofuryl on breathlessness and exercise tolerance in chronic bronchitis

Naftidrofuryl enhances oxidative phosphorylation and might therefore be expected to improve exercise tolerance and breathlessness in advanced chronic bronchitis. This hypothesis was tested in a four-week placebo-controlled trial in 11 bronchitic patients. Seven patients completed the study. There was no evidence of any benefit from naftidrofuryl either subjectively or after a 12-minute walking test.