BACKGROUND:Formoterol is a new beta 2 agonist with a duration of 8-12 hours. Albuterol is a beta 2-agonist with rapid onset of action and a duration of approximately 6 hours. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the onset of action between formoterol and albuterol, both administered through a Turbohaler. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a double-blind, parallel-group study design 36 patients were randomly allocated to receive either formoterol 12 microg or salbutamol 200 microg. The two drugs were administered through a Turbohaler system. Response (% forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1]) was evaluated 3, 30 and 60 minutes after drug administration. RESULTS: The %FEV1 values at 3, 30 and 60 minutes were similar in both groups: 82 15.0 for formoterol and 82 14.4 for albuterol at 60 minutes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Formoterol 12 microg has a similar onset of action and potency to albuterol 200 microg when administered via a Turbuhaler in children with a mild acute asthma crisis.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Formoterol is a new beta 2 agonist with a duration of 8-12 hours. Albuterol is a beta 2-agonist with rapid onset of action and a duration of approximately 6 hours. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the onset of action between formoterol and albuterol, both administered through a Turbohaler. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In a double-blind, parallel-group study design 36 patients were randomly allocated to receive either formoterol 12 microg or salbutamol 200 microg. The two drugs were administered through a Turbohaler system. Response (% forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1]) was evaluated 3, 30 and 60 minutes after drug administration. RESULTS: The %FEV1 values at 3, 30 and 60 minutes were similar in both groups: 82 15.0 for formoterol and 82 14.4 for albuterol at 60 minutes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Formoterol 12 microg has a similar onset of action and potency to albuterol 200 microg when administered via a Turbuhaler in children with a mild acute asthma crisis.