Comparison of salbutamol dry powder aerosol with pressurised aerosol.

The bronchodilator efficacy of two doses of dry salbutamol powder (rotacap) was compared with the conventional dose of metered dose inhaler (MDI). The doses used were: 200 micrograms rotacaps, 400 micrograms rotacaps and 200 micrograms MDI. All the three doses resulted in a significant bronchodilation, increasing the FEV1. The increase in FEV1 was 11.4%, 23.2% and 24% respectively. The improvement following 400 micrograms rotacap was similar to that seen after 200 micrograms MDI. Both 200 micrograms MDI and 400 micrograms rotacap resulted in significantly greater increase in FEV1 as compared to 200 micrograms rotacaps. It was concluded that bronchodilator effect is superior with an MDI and a double dose of powder aerosol is required to achieve the same results.