Nebulised fenoterol compared with metered aerosol.

The effect of nebulised fenoterol was compared with that of a similar dose administered by metered aerosol in 14 children, aged 7 to 17 years with moderately severe asthma. The initial response to fenoterol delivered by metered aerosol or nebuliser was the same, but a second dose by nebuliser after a dose by metered aerosol produced maximum potential bronchodilatation which was not seen when a second dose by metered aerosol was given after that by nebuliser. Administration of a bronchodilator by nebuliser does seem advantageous in the treatment of some children.