A comparison of inhaled salbutamol with a combination of salbutamol and beclomethasone dipropionate in moderately severe asthma.
Fifteen adults with moderately severe asthma underwent two sequential treatments, first with inhaled salbutamol, 200 micrograms q.i.d. for 2 weeks followed by a combination of salbutamol 200 micrograms and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 100 micrograms q.i.d. for the next 2 weeks. The response was evaluated by symptoms and additional drugs scores during the two treatments and spirometry before and after each treatment. The second phase of treatment resulted in a greater symptomatic improvement and a reduced need for additional drugs. A clinically significant improvement was observed in lung function after the combination treatment. However, as the comparison was limited to only 2 weeks, this duration of treatment was not adequate to correct the spirometric abnormalities. It was concluded that a combination of salbutamol and BDP was superior to salbutamol alone. Treatment with only bronchodilators results in a poor control of asthma and therefore, these should always be combined with inhaled steroids.
Chhabra
S K
SK
Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiology, Vallabhabhi Patel Chest Institute, Delhi.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001507:Beclomethasone; D000420:Albuterol