Bronchodilator effect of hexoprenaline aerosol in bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis

The bronchodilator effects of aerosols of hexoprenaline (200 microgram and 400 microgram), and salbutamol (200 microgram) were compared in 15 patients with asthma, and nine patients with chronic bronchitis. In both groups of patients, hexoprenaline and salbutamol produced a similar increase in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and mean percentage increase in FEV1. Neither drug caused tachycardia or arrhythmia. It was concluded that hexoprenaline aerosol was a safe and effective bronchodilator.