Clenbuterol and salbutamol in the symptomatic treatment of patients with reversible airways obstruction.

In a single-blind, partially randomized, crossover study, 48 patients with reversible airways obstruction were treated with 4 mg salbutamol 3-times daily, 20 micrograms clenbuterol twice daily and 40 micrograms clenbuterol twice daily, each regimen being given for 2 weeks. With all treatments there was an improvement in lung function, as indicated by daily monitoring of PEFR and subjective assessment of breathing, and there were no significant differences between them. Side-effects were few. It is considered, therefore, that twice daily regimens of clenbuterol can be as effective as salbutamol given 3-times daily and this may help to improve patient compliance.