Effects of terbutaline sulphate aerosol on bronchodilator response and lung mucociliary clearance in patients with mild stable asthma.

Ventilatory function and whole lung mucociliary clearance have been assessed in 10 patients with mild stable asthma following inhalation of 1 mg of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist terbutaline sulphate (Bricanyl, Astra Pharmaceuticals) from a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Compared to placebo inhalation, terbutaline produced marked bronchodilatation (mean percentage increase in FEV1 14%, P less than 0.01). Mucociliary clearance (measured by the in vivo radioaerosol technique) was assessed on three occasions--control, followed by placebo or terbutaline studies in a double-blind, cross-over manner. Particles were removed from the lung at a similar rate in all three studies. The mean (+/- s.e. mean) percentage of aerosol retained in the lungs after 6 h was 58 +/- 5%, 57% +/- 5% and 57 +/- 4% for control, placebo and drug studies respectively. It is concluded that terbutaline sulphate, given as a 1 mg acute dose, does not enhance mucociliary clearance in mild stable asthmatics, although it produces marked bronchodilatation.