Comparison of two oral selective beta2-adrenergic stimulant drugs in bronchial asthma.

The effect of two oral selective beta(2)-stimulant drugs, salbutamol and terbutaline, on spirometry, arterial blood-gas tensions, pulse, and blood pressure was compared with placebo in a double-blind controlled trial in 12 asthmatic patients. Both drugs increased to forced vital capacity and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second equally for up to five hours, the maximal effect occurring at two to four hours. There was no significant change in arterial blood-gas tensions but both drugs increased pulse rate slightly. Tremor was the most common side effect. Terbutaline seems to be an effective alternative to salbutamol.