Nebulized salbutamol (Asmasal®) in Thai children with asthma: Comparison of three doses

Abstract

Eleven moderate-to-severe asthmatic children 5-11 years of age who were in stable condition were given (randomly, double-blind) nebulized salbutamol sulfate (Asmasal®) inhalation therapy at doses of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg body weight on separated days. All three doses of nebulized solution resulted in clinical improvement and improvement of lung function (FEV 1 , FVC, PEFR and FEF(25-75%). A dose of 0.3 mg/kg produced greatest improvement and longest duration of improvement in FEV 1 and PEFR, but the change was statistically significant only in PEFR at 60 minutes (p < 0.05). Five children experienced mild tremors. There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure at any dose. It is concluded that a nebulized solution of salbutamol sulfate at a dose of 0.1-0.3 mg/kg is useful for treatment of asthma in Thai children, with very mild side effects.