[Treatment of severe bronchial asthma and status asthmaticus with intravenous fenoterol]

Abstract

In eight patients with moderately severe bronchial obstruction intravenous bolus injection and continuous (four-hour) infusion of fenoterol (a beta 2-sympathomimetic) achieved a significant reduction in airway resistance after previous inhalation of the drug. Plasma levels of about 1.1 ng/ml were sufficiently effective. Intravenous administration of fenoterol gave a more rapid bronchospasmolytic response than theophylline-ethylenediamine (10 patients). In contrast to the latter drug, fenoterol caused a significant rise in heart rate. Intravenous fenoterol is thus an alternative to systemic theophylline administration for severe obstructive disorders of ventilation. Because of their additive effect, simultaneous and continuous intravenous administration of both drugs is recommended in the treatment of pre-status and status asthmaticus.