Effects of inhaled fenoterol on the circadian rhythm of expiratory flow in allergic bronchial asthma.

Metered-dose aerosol treatment with fenoterol for three consecutive days, in eight patients suffering from allergic asthma, caused the disappearance of FEV1 and MEF50 circadian rhythm. We attribute such behavior to the suppression of the bronchomotor tone induced by fenoterol. The administration on different days of a single dose of fenoterol aerosol in another group of eight patients pointed out the variability of the effects of the drug at different hours of the day. We believe the results obtained are important for a better dosage and time distribution of the therapy with beta2 agonists.