A comparison of inhaled powders of fenoterol and salbutamol in asthma.

The present study compares fenoterol and salbutamol powders (0.2 mg). Twenty-five children with frequent episodic asthma, aged 4-9 years, entered a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo controlled study. On each of three days fenoterol, salbutamol or placebo were given in random order. Lung function testing and other observations were made before and at set intervals up to 4 h after the treatments. Both inhaled powders increased the forced expired volume in 1 s and the maximum mid-expiratory flow rate significantly above placebo effect. No side effects were observed and there were no significant differences in bronchodilator efficacy between fenoterol and salbutamol.