Dose-Response Study of Oral Fenoterol in Asthmatic Children

Abstract

To assess the dose of oral fenoterol, a ß2-receptor stimulant, which provided optimal bronchodilation with minimal side effects, we studied 12 children using a doubleblind crossover comparison of three dose levels, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg, and a placebo. Ventilatory function, pulse rate, blood pressure and clinical examination were compared over a 3-hour period. Administration offenoterol resulted in bronchodilation; a maximal effect was seen at 60-90 min lasting over the period of the study. 7.5 mg of fenoterol produced the maximal bronchodilation, but it was not significantly different from 5 mg. Side effects were minimal and no significant drug-response relationship was noted for blood pressure and pulse rate. 5 mg of fenoterol provided optimal bronchodilation with minimal side effects.

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

“…However, it appears that isoproterenol, albuterol, terbutaline, and fenoterol have an equal potency as bronchodilators, with metaproterenol and the rest of the agents being somewhat less effective. [15][16][17][18][19] Catecholamines, in general, have a relatively short duration of bronchodilator action of about 2 to 3 hours. Cardiac effects, when present, last only a few minutes.…”