The combination of fenoterol and ipratropium bromide in bronchial asthma: comparison of the acute effects of two different dosages

Abstract

Combinations of beta-stimulant and anticholinergic drugs have been advocated as a potentially useful tool in the treatment of reversible airway obstruction. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of a metered aerosol preparation delivering fenoterol 100 micrograms and ipratropium bromide 40 micrograms per puff: two dosages (2 puffs and 4 puffs) were used in 16 asthmatic patients, and their acute effects (up to 420 min) were investigated in a double-blind randomized trial. The results point out a reasonably good response to both dosages, with no notable difference between them as far as vital capacity, FEV 1, MMEF and Vmax75 are concerned. This finding indicates the possibility of achieving a satisfactory bronchodilation at beta-stimulant dosages far lower than the standard ones commonly used and therefore minimizing the risk of untoward cardiovascular effects.