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A study with cumulative doses of formoterol and salbutamol in children with asthma

T Foucard1, G Lönnerholm

  • 1Dept of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.

The European Respiratory Journal
|November 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Formoterol and salbutamol offer comparable bronchodilation for children with asthma. For moderate asthma, lower doses of formoterol (6-24 micrograms) are effective and recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pharmacology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children, requiring effective bronchodilator therapy.
  • Formoterol and salbutamol are commonly used short-acting beta-agonists for asthma management.
  • Comparative data on the peak effects of cumulative doses in pediatric populations are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the peak bronchodilating effects of cumulative doses of formoterol and salbutamol in children with moderate asthma.
  • To evaluate the dose-response relationship and identify optimal dosing for formoterol in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Double-blind, cross-over study involving 9 children (7-13 years) with moderate asthma.
  • Administration of escalating hourly doses of formoterol (6, 18, 54 mcg) and salbutamol (100, 300, 900 mcg).
  • Measurement of lung function (FEV1, PEFR, FVC), vital signs, and tremor; assessment of peak bronchodilation after a final 1 mg salbutamol dose.

Main Results:

  • Both formoterol and salbutamol demonstrated significant bronchodilation after the initial dose, with subsequent doses yielding minimal additional improvement.
  • No statistically significant differences in bronchodilating efficacy were observed between formoterol and salbutamol at any time point.
  • Minimal side effects were reported for both medications across the tested dose ranges.

Conclusions:

  • Formoterol and salbutamol provide comparable bronchodilating effects in children with moderate asthma.
  • Doses of 6-24 micrograms of formoterol are recommended for school-aged children with asthma.
  • Higher doses of formoterol may not offer substantial additional bronchodilating benefits for patients with mild to moderate asthma.

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