Terbutaline aerosol in the long-term treatment of asthmatic children.

Ten asthmatic children received regular daily therapy with terbutaline aerosol for 50 weeks. No evidence was found for adverse effects of this drug on growth, bone marrow, liver function or the cardiovascular system. All children had improved respiratory function throughout the year. In acute experiments carried out in 12 symptom-free asthmatic children with 0.5 mg terbutaline, it was demonstrated that the improvement in respiratory function, i.e. increase in FEV1, MMEF25-75%, FVC and PEF, was quick in onset, was maintained for at least 60 min and was not accompanied by effects on pulse rate. Thus, the bronchodilator aerosol, terbutaline, can be safely used as a regular daily therapy in asthmatic children aged 7 to 14 years.