Comparison of subcutaneous injections of terbutaline, salbutamol and adrenaline in acute asthmatic attacks in children.

Bronchodilating and cardiovascular effects of subcutaneously administered terbutaline, adrenaline 0.01 mg/kg and salbutamol 0.007 mg/kg were compared in a randomized single-blind manner. All drugs produced bronchodilation within 2 minutes and maintained it for 4 hours with terbutaline and adrenaline and for 3 hours with salbutamol. Bronchodilatation elicited by terbutaline was the highest. Increases in heart rate were observed in all especially during the first 30 minutes. All drugs elicited small increases in systolic blood pressure and it was highest with terbutaline from 5 to 240 minutes. Decreases in diastolic blood pressure were observed with all three. Increases in respiratory rate were small and observed within the first 5 to 30 minutes.