Comparison of Bricanyl Turbuhaler and Ventolin Rotahaler in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary administration of beta 2-agonists by means of pressurized metered dose inhaler is widely used in the treatment of asthma. Young children have difficulties in using these inhalers unless a spacer device is used. To overcome this problem inspiratory flow driven dry powder inhalers have been developed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the two powder inhalers Bricanyl Turbuhaler (terbutaline sulphate 0.5 mg t.i.d.) and Ventolin Rotahaler (salbutamol 0.4 mg t.i.d.) in 20 children 2 to 6 years old with mild to moderate asthma.

METHODS

The study had an open randomized crossover design with 1 week run-in without treatment and the two treatment periods of 2 weeks each. Efficacy was measured with peak expiratory flow determination, asthma symptom scores, and need for rescue medication. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Peak expiratory flow increased significantly (P < .001) after both treatments. There were no statistically significant differences in peak expiratory flow, asthma symptom scores, need for extra inhalations, or adverse events between the devices. Most children (parents) preferred the Turbuhaler.

CONCLUSION

Both Bricanyl Turbuhaler and Ventolin Rotahaler seem to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of asthma in preschool children. Of special interest is that even the youngest children in the study group were able to use these powder inhalers.