Comparison of fenoterol, ipratropium bromide and their combination in asthma.

ABSTRACT

The present study was designed to determine the extent of additivity of response to combination therapy of ipratropium bromide (I) (40 meg; 2 puffs) and fenoterol hydrochloride (F) (100 ug; 2 puffs) in 16 adults asthmatic patients who are responsive to I. The study design was a randomized, double-blind cross-over trial. The trial was a double blind cross over deign employing placebo, I, F and combination. All test medications significantly improved both FEV1 and FVC than placebo. Analysis of improvements in pulmonary function tests using area under the curve estimations suggested that the order of the test medications by the patients and the physicians showed the significantly better ratings of the combination than all other test medications (p < 0.05). No significant changes in pulse rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram were observer in all treatment groups. No side effects were reported by all patients during the whole trial period.