Combination bronchodilator therapy in asthma.

This study has compared the short-term bronchodilator effects of inhaled anticholinergic (ipratropium bromide) and sympathomimetic (fenoterol) agents alone and in combination in 18 asthmatic patients. the study was of double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. The combination of 60 micrograms ipratropium bromide and 200 micrograms of fenoterol had a greater bronchodilator effect than lower dose combinations or either drug alone. Small but significant gains may be made with combination inhaled bronchodilator therapy.