Additive Effects of Isoproterenol-phenylephrine Aerosol Following Ipratropium Bromide on Airway Obstruction in Older Patients with Intrinsic Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract

The additive bronchodilating effect of isoproterenol-phenylephrine aerosol following ipratropium bromide was examined in seven intrinsic asthmatic patients and seven chronic bronchitic patients. FVC, FEVj and Zrs were measured before and 30 min. after inhalation of ipratropium, 40 jug. Then inhalation of isoproterenol, 600 Mg and phenylephrine, 570 jug was added and the pulmonary functions were measured 30 min. later. The age, baseline values of FVC and FEV, and the increases in FEVj and 1/Zrs with ipratropium did not differ between the two. Isoproterenol-phenylephrine aerosol following ipratropium produced further increases in FEVj and 1/Zrs in asthmatic patients but no additive increases in bronchitic patients. These findings indicate that the role of autonomic nervous system, especially adrenergic system, on airway obstruction may be different between asthmatic and bronchitic patients arid the method applied in this study may be helpful in differentiating these airway disorders. © 1986, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.