Efficacy of formoterol metered aerosol in children.

To evaluate the effect of formoterol MDI (F) in the treatment of bronchial childhood asthma, five studies were performed in a total of 66 young asthmatics. In single-dose studies with 12 micrograms, F showed a rapid onset of action and in comparison to salbutamol a four-times-longer-lasting bronchospasmolytic effect (BSL). In addition, we looked at the BSL and the protective effect (P) in exercise-induced asthma (EIA) after 6, 12, and 24 micrograms. The BSL was not significantly different with respect to onset, magnitude, and duration of action, nor was the P, yet the latter seemed to be superior at 2 and 8 h after 24 micrograms. In a long-term study with 2 X 12 micrograms the patients' clinical well-being could be improved while drug consumption decreased. During another 3-month monotherapy with 2 X 12 micrograms the P in histamine- and cold air challenge was investigated and compared to prestudy values. It could be shown that long-lasting BSL and P did not diminish. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest an improvement of bronchial hyperresponsiveness after withdrawal of F.