Controlled release salbutamol tablets versus aminophylline in the control of reversible airways obstruction

A crossover study was carried out to compare the acceptability and efficacy of 8 mg twice daily controlled release salbutamol with 525 or 700 mg twice daily aminophylline in patients with reversible obstructive airways disease. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to determine the treatment order. A 2-week run-in period was used to titrate the aminophylline dosage, followed by a crossover phase of two 4-week treatments. A total of 68 patients, aged 20-75 years, entered the study and 39 (57%) completed it. The two drugs differed in the pattern and severity of their side-effects. Of the 15 patients withdrawn because of severe adverse events, 12 were unable to tolerate treatment with aminophylline. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatments for lung function tests measured at the clinic, peak expiratory flow rate recorded by the patients, frequency (or severity) of asthma symptoms or the use of relief medication. Patients completing the study expressed a preference for controlled release salbutamol in 17/25 (68%) cases.