A comparative study of the bronchodilatating effects of ipratropium and terbutalin inhaled with Monaghan IPPB-M 515 by 19 patients with chronic obstructive airways disease.

The effect of ipratropium (Atrovent) 0.125 mg x 4 daily was compared to terbutalin (Bricanyl) 5 mg x 4 daily, given to 19 patients with chronic obstructive airways disease (15 with chronic bronchitis, 10 bronchial asthma, 7 pulmonary emphysema) as inhalation therapy with Monaghan IPPB-M 515, during 2 treatment periods of 3 days. The investigation was carried out as a controlled, double-blind, cross-over comparison. The effect of treatment was evaluated by measurement of PEFR, symptom scores, including the side-effects and the use of rimiterol MDI for the treatment of acute attacks. The PEFR values were all higher than the initial values (P less than 0.001) during the period of treatment (08.00-20,30 hrs). The highest values were recorded at 16.30 hrs, these were PEFR + 31.7% for the Atrovent period and PEFR + 28.0% for the Bricanyl period. No statistically significant difference was observed in the PEFR, symptom scores, side-effects and the use of rimiterol during the Atrovent and Bricanyl treatment periods. The authors suggest that Atrovent is a wellsuited alternative bronchodilatator, particularly for patients with tremor, muscle cramp, and "inner restlessness" following treatment with a beta 2-stimulator.