Comparing the immediate Bronchodilatory effects of Salbutamol versus Formoterol: A General Practice Study in Patients with Moderate Asthma

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether there is significant difference in the onset of bronchodilatory action between salbutamol, a short-acting beta-2 stimulant and formoterol, a long-acting beta-2 stimulant.

Background: Current guidelines for the management of moderate asthmatics include the regular use' of inhaled corticosteroids in combination with long-acting beta-2 receptor stimulants. In such cases, short-acting beta-2 stimulants like salbutamol are used as rescue medication for sudden episodes of bronchoconstriction. lf, however, the bron-chodilatory effect of formoterol (long-acting) is comparable to that of salbutamol five minutes after administration, the question arises whether additional short-acting bronchodilators should be prescribed for such patients. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured before inhalation of the drug and repeated after exactly five minutes.The results before and after ihhalation,as well as the average results of each group were compared.

Methods: A randomized, double blind controlled trial was conducted in a private family practice and included 20 patients with moderate asthma, randomly allocated to either the salbutamol or the formoterol group.

Results: Both formoterol and salbutamol improved the PEFR significantly, exactly five minutes after inhalation. In comparing the two drugs; there were no significant differences in PEFR improvement between the two groups.

Conclusions: The bronchodilatory action of for moterol five minutes after inhalation is comparable to that of salbutamol. Both are very effective bronchodilators, even at low therapeutic doses. The quick onset of action of formoterol makes it unnecessary for patients using this drug to carry additional beta-Z stimulants as rescue medication.The major disadvantage of formoterol is the cost of the medication.