To compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of terbutaline and
salbutamol administered by metered dose inhaler and holding chamber in
the mild to moderate acute exacerbations of asthma in children. The
study subjects were children in the age group of 5- 15 years who
presented with a mild or moderate acute exacerbation of asthma. Baseline
assessment included clinical parameters and spirometry.
Terbutaline powder
The children were then randomized to receive salbutamol or terbutaline.
Three puffs each of either 100 mcg salbutamol or 250 mcg of terbutaline
were administered using 750 ml holding chamber with valve. Thirty
minutes after drug administration, the children were reevaluated for
clinical parameters and spirometry. Of the total 60 subjects studied, 31
were administered terbutaline and 29 salbutamol.
The baseline spirometric parameters were comparable. After drug
administration, all the studied variables showed significant improvement
within each group. However, there were no statistically significant
differences when the two groups were compared with each other. There was
no significant difference in the side effects between two groups.
Terbutaline and salbutamol, when administered by MDI with holding
chamber, are equally efficacious in children with mild or moderate acute
exacerbation of asthma.
The Wall