A comparison of different intervals of administration of inhaled terbutaline in children with acute asthma

Abstract

Thirty asthmatic children, 5 to 14 years of age, 20 boys and 10 girls, were studied while having acute asthmatic attacks. Each group of 10 children received either a single dose of 6 puffs (1500 μg) or 3 doses of 2 puffs (500 μg) at 5 minute or 15-minute intervals of terbutaline pressurized aerosol inhaler through a 750-ml volumetric spacer. The onset of bronchodilatation was observed within 2 minutes In all. The 3 doses at 15-mlnute intervels gave the greatest bronchodilitation throughout the 6-hour study period in comparing with the other two regimens. Slightly insignificant increases in systolic blood pressure and heart rate were observed in all groups and there were no statistically significant differences among them. No serious side effects were observed.