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Comparison of Bricanyl Turbuhaler and Berotec dry powder inhaler
1University Paediatric Clinic, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Insights
Terbutaline via Turbuhaler and fenoterol via Inhalator Ingelheim showed similar asthma control in children. However, terbutaline in the Turbuhaler device was preferred by most patients and parents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma management in children requires effective and well-tolerated inhaled therapies.
- Different inhaler devices and bronchodilators present varied options for pediatric asthma care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of terbutaline (Turbuhaler) versus fenoterol (Inhalator Ingelheim) in asthmatic children.
- To assess patient and parent preference for inhaler devices in pediatric asthma management.
Main Methods:
- Open-label, crossover study involving 36 children (7-12 years) with asthma.
- Two 2-week treatment periods comparing terbutaline 0.5 mg t.i.d. (Turbuhaler) and fenoterol 0.2 mg t.i.d. (Inhalator Ingelheim).
- Evaluated lung function (FEV1, FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), asthma symptoms, and side effects.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in lung function (FEV1, FVC) or home PEF measurements between terbutaline and fenoterol.
- Similar asthma symptom control and need for extra inhalations reported for both treatments.
- Terbutaline group reported no mild side effects, while fenoterol group reported mild side effects in two patients.
Conclusions:
- Terbutaline administered via Turbuhaler is as efficacious as fenoterol via Inhalator Ingelheim for pediatric asthma.
- A majority of children and parents preferred the Turbuhaler device over the Inhalator Ingelheim.
- Inhaler preference may influence adherence and overall management of pediatric asthma.
Abstract:
Terbutaline (Bricanyl) 0.5 mg t.i.d. administered via Turbuhaler was compared with fenoterol (Berotec) 0.2 mg t.i.d. administered via Inhalator Ingelheim in 36 asthmatic children aged 7-12 years. The study was of an open crossover design with two randomly allocated treatment periods, each lasting 2 weeks. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured at clinic visits before study start and at the end of each treatment period. The patients recorded peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and after inhaler use, morning and evening. They also recorded asthma symptoms and number of extra inhalations. At the end of the study, children and parents were asked for inhaler preference. No differences between the treatments were found concerning the results of the lung function measurements at the clinic or at the PEF measurements at home. No differences were found between the treatments as regards asthma symptoms or number of extra inhalations. Two patients experienced mild side effects during fenoterol treatment, none during terbutaline treatment. Treatment with terbutaline in Turbuhaler was preferred by a majority of children and parents. In conclusion, in this group of asthmatic children, treatment with terbutaline administered via Turbuhaler was as efficacious as treatment with fenoterol administered via Inhalator Ingelheim. There was a clear preference in favour of the Turbuhaler.