Cardiopulmonary effects of fenoterol and salbutamol aerosols.

Comparative evaluation of the bronchodilator and cardiovascular effects of cumulative dose of fenoterol and salbutamol (albuterol) aerosols was carried out in an open crossover study on 15 patients with chronic stable reversible airways obstruction. On a weight for weight basis, there was no significant difference in the bronchodilator efficacy of fenoterol and salbutamol; though the heart rates after fenoterol were significantly higher than after salbutamol. Ventricular dysrhythmias requiring premature cessation of the study in four patients were seen with fenoterol; whereas no significant ventricular dysrhythmias were observed with salbutamol. It is concluded that salbutamol has lesser cardiostimulatory effects than fenoterol.