title: Metabolic effects of inhaled fenoterol in normal subjects.
abstract: Although the hypokalemic effect of inhaled beta 2-adrenergic agonists has been well documented, little is known as to their effect on plasma magnesium. We therefore examined in ten healthy young volunteers the effect of the inhalation of 2 mg of nebulized fenoterol on plasma potassium (Kpl), plasma magnesium (Mgpl), and intraerythrocytic magnesium (MgIE) levels, as well as on plasma insulin and C peptide concentrations, measured before and serially up to 110 min after fenoterol inhalation. In all subjects, fenoterol inhalation caused a reversible reduction in Kpl (range, 0.2 to 1.1 mEq/L), which was progressive, reaching a statistically significant nadir 30 to 60 min following fenoterol inhalation (largest dip in Kpl, 0.55 +/- 0.29 mEq/L; p < 0.05). The nadir in Kpl levels was preceded by a peak in plasma insulin levels in all subjects. No significant changes in Mgpl or MgIE were observed in any of the subjects. We conclude that fenoterol inhaled at a dosage used in clinical practice significantly reduces Kpl but not Mgpl nor MgIE levels in healthy subjects, indicating a lower sensitivity of Mg++ ions to beta 2-adrenergic stimulation than K+ ions. Beta 2-adrenergic-induced insulin secretion probably contributes to the hypokalemic effect of inhaled fenoterol.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Division, Academic Hospital, University of Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Musch
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Vincken
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noppen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gorus
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000032:analysis; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005280:Fenoterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D002096:C-Peptide; D007328:Insulin; D005280:Fenoterol; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium