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Effect of age on bronchodilator response
W A Kradjan1, N K Driesner, T H Abuan
1Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle 98195.
Chest
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Albuterol and ipratropium are effective bronchodilators for asthma patients of all ages. Albuterol demonstrated a greater magnitude of response compared to ipratropium, with age not significantly impacting treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Asthma management requires effective bronchodilators for both young and elderly patients.
- Understanding differential drug responses across age groups is crucial for personalized treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of age and drug type on bronchodilator response in stable asthmatic subjects.
- To evaluate the efficacy of albuterol versus ipratropium in young and elderly populations.
Main Methods:
- An unblinded, randomized crossover study involving 19 young (18-25 years) and 17 elderly (>65 years) asthmatic subjects.
- Administration of albuterol or ipratropium via metered-dose inhaler with an extender.
- Measurement of pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75%), blood pressure, and pulse for 3 hours post-inhalation.
Main Results:
- Both albuterol and ipratropium improved FEV1 by over 15% in all subjects.
- Albuterol produced a significantly greater maximum bronchodilator response compared to ipratropium in both age groups.
- No statistically significant differences in drug response were observed between the young and elderly groups for either medication.
Conclusions:
- Albuterol and ipratropium are effective bronchodilators in both young and elderly asthmatic individuals.
- Albuterol yields a greater magnitude of bronchodilation than ipratropium across all age groups studied.
- Age does not appear to be a significant predictor of bronchodilator response to either albuterol or ipratropium.