A comparison between an equimolar inhaled dose of ibuterol and terbutaline in asthmatics

The effect of equimolar doses of ibuterol, 0.75 mg, and terbutaline, 0.50 mg, was compared in 16 asthmatics. Both drugs were given double-blind in a single dose by inhalation. The drugs did not significantly differ from each other in any of the parameters used in the trial. Both had rapid onset of action on the bronchospasm as measured with a Wright's peak flow meter. The effect was still statistically significant 300 min after the inhalation compared with the pre-treatment values. Neither drug had any effect of clinical importance on heart rate or blood pressure. No side effects were observed during the trial.