Treatment of bronchial obstruction in asthma

The bronchodilator effects of various sympathomimetics given as aerosols have been compared. Hexoprenaline, fenoterol and terbutaline were all effective bronchodilators and their effects lasted far longer than that of isoprenaline. Clenbuterol inhaled at night did not prevent 'morning dip' but the addition of slow-release theophylline was an effective combination. The mechanisms of action of these agents, and also of atropinic drugs such as ipratropium bromide and oxytropium bromide are discussed, and also the benefits of using mixtures of drugs.