Comparison of bronchodilator effects of Duovent and Reproterol in patients with chronic reversible airway obstruction.

The bronchodilator effect of Duovent (a combination of a beta-2-agonist, fenoterol, and an anticholinergic, ipratropium bromide) was compared with that of Reproterol (a pharmacological hybrid which presents both resorcinol and theophylline portions) in 16 patients suffering from chronic reversible airway obstruction. Each of the 16 patients (14 males and 2 females, mean age 65.8 years) had a baseline FEV1 ranging from 30 to 70% of their predicted values (CECA values) (mean value +/- SE of the group: 1,238 +/- 78 ml), which increased at least 15% after the inhalation of two puffs of 400 micrograms fenoterol (percent increase of the group: 26.5 +/- 2%, mean +/- SE). This single-blind study was carried out on 3 different days, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After measurement of the baseline functional parameters [FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1 (1-second forced expiratory volume), and FEF25-75 (forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity)], each patient was given two puffs of placebo the 2nd day, and either of Duovent (200 micrograms of fenoterol and 80 micrograms of ipratropium bromide) or of Reproterol (1 mg) the 1st or the 3rd day, at random. The measurements of functional parameters were repeated after 30, 120, 240, 360 and 480 min. Blood pressure, heart rate and possible side effects were recorded at the same time. Both Duovent and Reproterol, at all times, produced a statistically significant increase in FEV1 and FEF25-75.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)