Comparison of a single dose of aerosol salbutamol and fenoterol/ipratropium on bronchial asthmatic patients.

A combination dose aerosol of fenoterol hydrobromide (200 micrograms) and ipratropium bromide (80 micrograms) was compared with aerosolized salbutamol (200 micrograms) in 10 stable asthmatic patients. With both treatments a statistically significant improvement was noticed in both FEV1 and PEF measurements starting after 15 minutes and continuing until 330 to 360 minutes. No statistically significant differences in one second Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) was noted between the two treatments. No side effect was noticed. As a result, it was concluded that in bronchial asthmatic patients, the bronchodilator effects of the combination of a beta-2 agonist with anticholinergic drugs was as effective and lasted as long as salbutamol. This combination, in order to prevent cardiovascular complications, could be selected as a suitable treatment for those patients who need high doses of beta-2 agonist drugs.