title: Pirbuterol. A preliminary review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in reversible bronchospastic disease.
abstract: Pirbuterol is a beta-adrenoceptor agonist which differs structurally from salbutamol in the substitution of a pyridine ring for the benzene ring. In common with salbutamol, pirbuterol demonstrates both bronchodilatory and cardiovascular effects. Generally, improvements of up to 25% are noted in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) [versus baseline or placebo] in asthmatic patients treated with pirbuterol for several months. In individual 12-week double-blind comparative studies, pirbuterol aerosol appeared similar to orciprenaline (metaproterenol) aerosol, and orally administered pirbuterol appeared similar to orally administered salbutamol in bronchodilator efficacy. However, well-designed long term comparative studies are needed to more clearly define the comparative efficacy of pirbuterol and alternative beta-adrenoceptor agonists.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Brogden
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D001711:Biotransformation; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002273:Carcinogens; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007700:Kinetics; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D002273:Carcinogens; D004983:Ethanolamines; C009118:pirbuterol