Double-blind comparison of acute effects of inhaled albuterol, isoproterenol and placebo on cardiopulmonary function and gas exchange in asthmatic children.

Although albuterol aerosol is an effective bronchodilator in adult asthmatics its efficacy and safety are not fully established in asthmatic children. Albuterol (100 and 200 micrograms), isoproterenol (70 and 140 micrograms) and placebo were administered from metered dose aerosol cannisters to 11 asthmatic children (9 to 16 years of age). Our findings indicate that in asthmatic children albuterol aerosol causes bronchodilation for up to six hours and greater bronchodilation than comparable doses of inhaled isoproterenol and does not produce overt effects on the cardiovascular system, significant changes in arterial partial pressure of oxygen or excessive tremor.