Dose-response study with high-dose inhaled salmeterol in healthy subjects

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 10 healthy male subjects has been carried out to investigate the non-pulmonary effects of single inhaled doses of salmeterol 100 micrograms, 200 micrograms and 400 micrograms and salbutamol 400 micrograms from a metered-dose inhaler. At all doses tested, salmeterol produced statistically significant changes in pulse rate, tremor, blood glucose and plasma potassium concentrations, compared with placebo. All changes were dosed related. A number of dose-related adverse events including tremor, awareness of heart beat and headache were reported after salmeterol administration.