Hexoprenaline: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy with particular reference to asthma

Abstract

Hexoprenaline1, N,N-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl] hexamethyl-enediamine, sulphate is a selective beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist which is active in man as a bronchodilator by the oral or intravenous routes and by inhalation. It is indicated for use in the treatment of bronchospasm associated with obstructive airways diseases, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Clinical experience and double-blind studies have established that hexoprenaline is an effective bronchodilator. It major advantage over many other many other brochodilators of equal efficacy is its generally low production of side-effects, particularly tremor, palptitations, and tachycardia. In comparative trials, it has generally been rated as superior to orciprenaline or trimetoquinol, but comparisons with salbutamol have provided equivocal results. Oral hexoprenaline was superior to fenoterol as long-term maintenance therapy is asthma, principally because its somewhat lesser bronchodilatory effects were more than compensated for by a lesser incidence of side-effects.