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 µg and ipratropium bromide 40 µg 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, FEV₁, 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.