The bronchospasmolytics salbutamol, fenoterol, terbutaline and reproterol. Their effects and side effects in asthmatics after inhalation with an electric nebulizer
Budmiger, H.; Kyd, K.; Scherrer, M.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift 108(31): 1190-1197
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7672 PMID: 675213 Document Number: 125024
A double-blind crossover trial was conducted in 10 asthmatic patients for comparison of fenoterol with salbutamol, in 12 other asthmatic patients for comparison of reproterol with salbutamol, and in 15 other asthmatic patients for comparison of terbutaline with salbutamol. The following doses were given: 1.25 mg fenoterol, 2.5 mg reproterol, 2.5 mg terbutaline and 1.25 mg salbutamol. 5 drops of each of the inhalation solutions (in 2 ml of saline) were aerosolized by a powered machine and inhaled for 15 min. FEV1 was measured before, and 15 and 45 min after inhalation. Immediately before FEV1 the following parameters for side effects were also determined: 1. heartbeats per min, systolic and diastolic blood pressure; 2. minute ventilation, arterial PCO2 and oxygen consumption; 3. arterial SO2, PO2 and the alveolar-arterial O2-gradient (AaDO2). To estimate the selectivity of each of the 3 betastimulators the ratio (formula: see text) was established for each parameter and compared to that obtained with salbutamol. In further steps the ratio of all parameters for side effects was shown, then only that of the 3 most important side effects tachycardia, hypocapnia (PaCO2) and hypoxemia (PaO2). The following order of selectivity was found: 1. salbutamol, 2. fenoterol, 3. terbutaline, 4. reproterol.