Albuterol syrup in the treatment of the young asthmatic child.

Albuterol (salbutamol) syrup was studied in 14 asthmatic children (three to six years of age) in a four-week, double-blind, crossover (with placebo) trial to determine efficacy, safety and tolerance. Albuterol was found to be more effective as evaluated by measurements of symptom scores (p less than .01) daily WPF meter (p less than .01) and need for additional medications. Albuterol provided a significant (p less than .01) increase in FEV1 and FEF 25%-75% over three hours. Clinically unimportant effects on heart rate, personality and tremors were noted in most subjects. The authors conclude that albuterol syrup is effective and safe in the young asthmatic.