The acceptability and efficacy of terbutaline given by metered-dose powder inhalation ('Bricanyl Turbohaler') in asthmatic hospital out-patients: a multi-centre study.

An open, multi-centre study was carried out to assess the ease with which a patient could be instructed to use the terbutaline 'Turbohaler' ('Bricanyl Turbohaler') and whether benefit was obtained and technique still satisfactory 4 weeks later. Asthmatic patients not receiving oral steroids were eligible; 138 completed the study. There were consistent increases in PEFR and FEV1 at the start and end of the study on using the 'Bricanyl Turbohaler'. Over 80% of patients used it correctly in every respect fulfilling each of 8 criteria and 96% found it easy to use. It was easy to instruct patients to use the 'Turbohaler', patients continued to use it correctly after a month and obtained sustained benefit.