Comparison of inhaled terbutaline and terbutaline injection in treatment of acute asthmatic attacks in children

Abstract

Thirty asthmatic children, aged 4 to 13 years, 22 boys and 8 girls, were studied during acute asthmatic attacks. Each group of 15 children received either a 0.01 mg/kg subcutaneous injection of terbutaline or 2 puffs from terbutaline pressurized aerosol (0.25 mg/puff) inhaler through a 750-ml volumetric spacer. A slightly greater increase in PEFR following injection compared with inhalation throughout the 6 hours study period was observed. Significant increases in systolic blood pressure and pulse rate were observed only after injection. Therefore, it was concluded that inhaled terbutaline is safe and effective for treating children over 4 years of age with acute bronchospasm and has less cardiovascular side effects than injected terbutaline.