[Salbutamol in asthmatic children, lung function and plasma levels of free salbutamol after treatment with salbutamol rectally and by pressurized aerosol (author's transl)].

In 10 children with asthma bronchiale aged 4 10/12--14 3/12 years, Salbutamol was given rectally and by pressurized aerosol. After 1 h plasma concentration of free salbutamol and lung function were measured. Plasma concentrations of free salbutamol ranged between 1.2--12.3 ng/ml, when 2 mg of salbutamol were given rectally and between less than 0.5--1.6 ng/ml, when a dose of 0.2 mg salbutamol was inhaled. Airway resistance decreased significantly after both forms of treatment but there was no statistical difference. Plasma concentrations of free salbutamol were rather low following an aerosol dose of 0.2 mg salbutamol, suggesting a topical action of salbutamol. When taken rectally improvement in lung function seemed to be related to plasma levels of free salbutamol.