Asthma. Bronchodilators: new developments.
This chapter is concerned with recent controversies and new developments in the area of established bronchodilators, namely beta-agonists, antimuscarinic drugs and methylxanthines. It focuses on the studies concerned with fenoterol and its possible role in asthma deaths in New Zealand, the new long-acting beta-agonists and the place of beta-agonists in the treatment of asthma. The possible reasons for the fact that antimuscarinic drugs have been less effective in general than beta-agonists in asthma are explored and the difficulties of using theophylline in clinical practice and its role in the treatment of asthma are discussed.
Tattersfield
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Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Nottingham, UK.
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005280:Fenoterol / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D005280:Fenoterol; D013806:Theophylline