Safety and effectiveness of terbutaline in children with chronic asthma.
The bronchodilator and cardiovascular effects of orally administered tablets containing 2.5 mg of terbutaline and 25 mg of ephedrine were compared in a double-blind parallel manner in children (ages, 7 to 14 years) weighing 25 to 50 kg (44 to 110 lb). Both drugs produced bronchodilation within one-half hour, and this effect was maintained up to six hours, with a peak between two and three hours. Small increases in the pulse rate were measured within an hour following administration of both drugs. No significant variation was noted in blood pressure. No adverse effects (including tachyphylaxis and tremor) were observed for either drug during a three-month period. Both bronchodilator agents were shown to be equally effective in the dosages used. Terbutaline is a safe bronchodilator drug when administered orally in 2.5-mg doses for children with chronic asthma in this range of ages and weights, with minimal cardiovascular side effects and effective bronchodilation.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004809:Ephedrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004809:Ephedrine; D013726:Terbutaline