Comparison of carbuterol and hexoprenaline aerosol in bronchial asthma.

A new beta 2-adrenergic bronchodilator, carbuterol, was compared with hexoprenaline and placebo, by double-blind crossover technique in 10 adult asthmatic patients. Carbuterol 200 microgram was compared with hexoprenaline 200 microgram, corresponding to 2 inhalations from a standard aerosol in each case. The carbuterol effect, in terms of vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was significantly longer than that of hexoprenaline. Its effect on airways resistance also appeared to be longer, although this difference was not statistically significant. The difference in duration of action may be due to greater potency of carbuterol, or to a longer elimination half-life of carbuterol. No significant effects on heart rate or blood pressure were noted with either drug.