A cumulative dose comparison between salbutamol and fenoterol metered dose aerosols in asthmatic patients

Abstract

The potency and side effects of salbutamol and fenoterol inhalers have been compared in 8 asthmatic patients using a dose response curve. There was no significant difference in the absolute or percentage increase in FEV, with the two treatments, but fenoterol caused a significantly greater (P<0.01) increase in heart rate than did salbutamol. A greater degree of bronchodilatation was observed with increased doses and we suggest that regular higher doses may provide better bronchodilatation and control of asthma in selected patients. © The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine. © The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine.