title: Continuous versus intermittent nebulized terbutaline: plasma levels and effects.
abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to compare continuous versus intermittent nebulization of a beta 2-agonist, terbutaline, to determine whether differences exist in plasma concentrations or adverse cardiovascular effects of the drug with these two techniques for its administration. Sixteen children 6 to 16 yr of age, admitted for acute asthma, were enrolled in this randomized double-blind clinical trial. Nebulization of 16 mg of terbutaline over an 8-h period was performed either continuously or intermittently, with a dose of 4 mg given over 20 min every 2 h. The peak plasma terbutaline concentration for the intermittent nebulization treatment (INT) group (5.1 +/- 2.1 ng/ml) occurred 1 h after the fourth inhalation treatment and was similar to the peak concentration for the continuous nebulization treatment (CNT) group, which was reached at the end of the 8 h period (4.7 +/- 2.3 ng/ml). The maximum heart rate increase for the INT group (19.6 +/- 18.3 bpm) occurred 1 h after the fourth dose and was similar to the peak observed in the CNT group (19.6 +/- 19.2 bpm), which occurred after 3 h. Similar increases in systolic and decreases in diastolic pressures were observed for the INT and CNT groups. No evidence of serious adverse myocardial complications was seen in either group, as evidenced by measurements of the MB fraction of creatine phosphokinase (CPK-MB) and Holter-monitor recordings. Continuous nebulization of the terbutaline produces similar plasma concentrations and cardiovascular physiologic responses as intermittent nebulization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor.
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Moler
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Van Laanen
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Palmisano
authors.forename: S Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Nasr
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Akingbola
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000336:Aerosols; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D017387:Investigational New Drug Application; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D013726:Terbutaline