Sustained-release terbutaline in nocturnal asthma

Fifteen adult patients with nocturnal asthma entered a double blind study. They received a single evening dose of one sustained-release (SR) terbutaline tablet à 7.5 mg or an identical placebo tablet for 1 week, each in a randomised cross-over fashion in addition to their usual medication. In the 12 evaluated patients there was no change in evening PEF but a significant improvement in morning PEF (P less than 0.05) and in overnight fall of PEF (P less than 0.01) on active treatment. Symptoms were improved by both placebo and active medication. Three patients experienced tremor as a side effect. A single evening dose of SR-terbutaline can be of help in nocturnal asthma.