Comparison of oral theophylline and salbutamol by inhalation in asthmatic patients.
The bronchodilator effects of 375 mg theophylline orally and 200 microg salbutamol by pressurized aerosol were compared in a randomized, cross-over, double-blind trial in fourteen asthmatic patients. The mean peak percentage FEV1 increase from control was 43.7% at 60 min after salbutamol and 30.3% at 180 min after theophylline. Salbutamol produced significantly greater bronchodilatation than theophylline for the initial 30 min (P < 0.01). Theophylline demonstrated a longer duration of action than salbutamol, with a significantly greater FEV1 response at 360 min (P < 0.02). There was no significant difference between the total effect of each drug for the 360 min period, as calculated by the areas under the respective FEV1 response curves.
Respiratory Unit, Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, N.S.W. 2139, Australia.
B J
BJ
Hartnett
G E
GE
Marlin
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D013806:Theophylline; D000420:Albuterol