Carbuterol, fenoterol, orciprenaline, salbutamol and terbutaline per os in reversible obstructive chronic bronchitis.

The effects of tablets of carbuterol, orciprenaline, salbutemol, terbutaline and fenoterol at two dosages were studied using FEV1 and specific airway conductance as parameters. A placebo was used as a reference. Carbuterol and fenoterol proved to be more potent than the other sympathomimetic competitors. Fenoterol 5 mg was on the average somewhat less potent than 3 mg carbuterol. This differnce was not statistically significant for FEV1; it was significant three hours after intake for airway conductance. None of the drugs produced significant changes of the blood pressure. Carbuterol and 12 mg fenoterol caused a statistically significant increase in heart rate. ECG changes were observed in eight patients with the different beta-sympathomimetics, with the exception of 5 mg fenoterol.