Comparison of nebulized terbutaline (TERB) and subcutaneous epinephrine (EPI) in the treatment of acute asthma.

The purpose of this study was to compare nebulized terbutaline 5 mg vs. subcutaneous epinephrine (1/1000, 0.3 cc) in the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma in adult patients. Patients with a known diagnosis of asthma, who presented to the investigators in acute respiratory distress, without any previous adrenergic agents for six hours, were the subjects for this study. There were 33 patients enrolled in the study between 16 and 64 years of age. The results indicate both treatment groups gave significant increases in pulmonary function at all times when compared to baseline (p less than 0.001). Nebulized terbutaline and subcutaneous epinephrine appeared equally effective in the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma, without significant differences in bronchodilator effectiveness or side effects.