Systemic cardiovascular and metabolic effects associated with the inhalation of an increased dose of albuterol. Influence of mouth rinsing and gargling.

We designed this investigation to assess the occurrence of systemic beta adrenergic side effects associated with the inhalation of an increased dose of the beta2 receptor agonist albuterol. Since therapeutic aerosols delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) are preferentially deposited in the mouth and pharynx, we wished to determine whether mouth rinsing and gargling with water might reduce the magnitude of such side effects by partially removing oral and pharyngeal drug residues. Serum glucose, insulin and potassium concentrations, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were measured as parameters of beta-adrenergic stimulation. Each of eight nonmedicated mild asthmatic patients was studied on two separate days after an overnight fast. Measurements were obtained twice before and then repeatedly at various times up to three hours after inhalation of ten albuterol doses (total dose approximately 1 mg) delivered by MDI. On either day the patient did, or did not, rinse the mouth and gargle after drug inhalation. Aerosol-administered albuterol significantly increased HR, FEV1, systolic BP and serum concentrations of glucose and insulin and lowered diastolic BP as early as five min after inhalation, indicating early systemic drug absorption. Peak changes in all measured parameters were observed within 30 min after treatment. Mouth rinsing and gargling removed 24 +/- 11 percent of the total albuterol dose delivered, but did not lower the magnitude or shift the time course of these side effects or bronchodilation. Our data suggest that cardiovascular and metabolic side effects are associated with the inhalation of an increased dose of albuterol and that mouth rinsing and gargling are not effective in reducing the magnitude of these systemic effects.