Inhaled atropine in asthma.
Ten adult asthmatics inhaled atropine and isoproterenol to determine the site of action in the airways and relative effectiveness of the two drugs. The two agents were equal in their effect on lung volumes and airway resistance but isoproterenol produced significantly better flows. Atropine was shown to be an effective bronchodilator with a predominant site of action in large airways. The authors believe atropine and atropine derivatives deserve ongoing investigation, especially regarding potential side effects of retarding mucociliary clearance and the clinical significance of apparent failure to dilate small airways.
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000403:Airway Resistance; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001285:Atropine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D014109:Total Lung Capacity; D014797:Vital Capacity
D001285:Atropine; D007545:Isoproterenol