Abstract
The duration of action of inhaled formoterol, a new long-acting beta-2-agonist, was compared to inhaled salbutamol and placebo in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study in 16 children (8-12 years old) with stable moderate to serve asthma. Mean baseline FEV1 was 68 +/- 8% predicted. On the 4 study days, baseline FEV1 was within 15% of the FEV1 on visit 1. Two-three days apart, each patient inhaled either placebo, salbutamol (200 micrograms) formoterol (12 or 24 micrograms). FEV1 and PEF were measured repeatedly during 8 and 12 hours respectively. After formoterol, improvement over placebo remained significant at 8 hours for FEV1 (p = 0.006) and 12 hours for PEF (p = 0.01). When compared to salbutamol, it was significant at 8 hours for PEF (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in lung function when comparing the 12 micrograms and 24 micrograms doses of formoterol. Side-effects were minimal.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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English Abstract
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Randomized Controlled Trial
MeSH terms
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / adverse effects
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use*
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Aerosols
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Albuterol / administration & dosage
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Albuterol / adverse effects
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Albuterol / therapeutic use
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Asthma / drug therapy*
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Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage
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Bronchodilator Agents / adverse effects
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Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use*
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Child
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Double-Blind Method
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Drug Tolerance
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Ethanolamines / administration & dosage
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Ethanolamines / adverse effects
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Ethanolamines / therapeutic use*
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Female
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Forced Expiratory Volume / drug effects
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Formoterol Fumarate
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Humans
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Male
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Nebulizers and Vaporizers
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Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / drug effects
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Placebos
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Time Factors
Substances
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists
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Aerosols
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Bronchodilator Agents
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Ethanolamines
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Placebos
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Albuterol
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Formoterol Fumarate