Duovent compared to carbuterol in the treatment of bronchospasm.

Fourteen patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) were studied. All were in a relatively stable clinico-functional state, and bronchospasm was reversible with fenoterol. The study was carried out over 3 days. Duovent and Carbuterol were given at random on the 1st or 3rd day to each patient; the placebo was always given on the 2nd day. Each drug was administered with 2 puffs of a metered-dose aerosol, corresponding to 200 micrograms fenoterol + 80 micrograms ipratropium bromide for Duovent and 200 micrograms of active substance for Carbuterol. The patients were studied for 7 h after administration of the 3 preparations. Ventilatory and cardiocirculatory parameters as well as local and systemic tolerance of the drugs were evaluated. The data show that Douvent has a more rapid and powerful bronchodilator action compared to Carbuterol. The action of Duovent is more constant and prolonged compared to the other drug and acts on both proximal and distal airways. Local and systemic tolerance is excellent for both drugs studied. In conclusion, Duovent is a rational and effective combination in the treatment of bronchospasm.