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Bricanyl Turbuhaler and Ventolin Rotahaler in exercise-induced asthma in children
J M dos Santos1, H Costa, E Ståhl
1Serviço de Pediatria, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
Insights
Bricanyl Turbuhaler and Ventolin Rotahaler effectively treated exercise-induced asthma in children. Both medications rapidly restored peak expiratory flow post-exercise, with no significant differences between them.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition in children.
- Effective and rapid-acting bronchodilators are crucial for managing EIA symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of Bricanyl Turbuhaler (terbutaline sulphate) and Ventolin Rotahaler (salbutamol) in treating exercise-induced asthma in children.
- To assess the speed of recovery of peak expiratory flow (PEF) after treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 19 children (aged 7-14 years) with EIA.
- Asthma was provoked by running, and PEF was measured before and after exercise.
- Inhalers were administered if PEF decreased by >20%, with PEF re-measured at 5 and 10 minutes post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Both Bricanyl Turbuhaler and Ventolin Rotahaler treatments led to a return of PEF to baseline levels within 5 minutes post-exercise.
- No statistically significant difference in efficacy was observed between the two active treatments.
- Placebo treatment did not restore PEF to baseline, and 10 children required additional medication.
Conclusions:
- Bricanyl Turbuhaler (0.5 mg terbutaline sulphate) and Ventolin Rotahaler (0.4 mg salbutamol) demonstrate equal efficacy in treating exercise-induced asthma in children.
- Both medications provide rapid relief from EIA symptoms.
- Active treatment with these inhalers eliminated the need for extra medication compared to placebo.
Abstract:
Bricanyl Turbuhaler (0.5 mg terbutaline sulphate) and Ventolin Rotahaler (0.4 mg salbutamol) were compared in a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study on exercise-induced asthma in 19 children (14 boys) aged 7-14 years. The study was carried out on 3 separate days. Asthmatic attacks were provoked by free range running. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured before and after exercise. If PEF decreased by greater than 20%, one inhalation from each of the inhalers was given under supervision of the investigator. Only one of the inhalers (none on the placebo day) delivered active drug. PEF was measured again 5 and 10 min after treatment. Already 5 min after treatment PEF had returned to baseline after active treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the two active treatments. After placebo treatment, PEF did not return to baseline even at the 10 min post-exercise measurement. Ten children needed extra medication after the last PEF measurement on the placebo day, whereas no child needed extra medication after any of the active treatments. No adverse events were reported in this study. In conclusion, Bricanyl Turbuhaler (0.5 mg) and Ventolin Rotahaler (0.4 mg) were equally efficacious in the treatment of exercise-induced asthma in children.