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Safety and effectiveness of terbutaline in children with chronic asthma
Insights
Terbutaline and ephedrine tablets equally improved breathing in children with asthma for up to six hours. Both asthma medications were safe, with minimal side effects, making terbutaline a safe choice for pediatric asthma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma management in children requires effective bronchodilators.
- Oral bronchodilator options for pediatric asthma include terbutaline and ephedrine.
- Comparative efficacy and safety data are crucial for treatment selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the bronchodilator and cardiovascular effects of oral terbutaline and ephedrine in children.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these agents over a three-month period.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, parallel study was conducted in children aged 7-14 years, weighing 25-50 kg.
- Participants received either 2.5 mg terbutaline or 25 mg ephedrine orally.
- Bronchodilation, pulse rate, and blood pressure were monitored, along with adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Both terbutaline and ephedrine demonstrated bronchodilation within 30 minutes, peaking at 2-3 hours and lasting up to 6 hours.
- Minor increases in pulse rate were observed, with no significant changes in blood pressure.
- No adverse effects like tachyphylaxis or tremor were reported during the three-month study.
Conclusions:
- Terbutaline and ephedrine were equally effective bronchodilators at the tested oral dosages in children.
- Terbutaline (2.5 mg) is a safe oral bronchodilator for children (7-14 years, 25-50 kg) with chronic asthma.
- Minimal cardiovascular side effects and effective bronchodilation support the use of terbutaline in this pediatric population.
Abstract:
The bronchodilator and cardiovascular effects of orally administered tablets containing 2.5 mg of terbutaline and 25 mg of ephedrine were compared in a double-blind parallel manner in children (ages, 7 to 14 years) weighing 25 to 50 kg (44 to 110 lb). Both drugs produced bronchodilation within one-half hour, and this effect was maintained up to six hours, with a peak between two and three hours. Small increases in the pulse rate were measured within an hour following administration of both drugs. No significant variation was noted in blood pressure. No adverse effects (including tachyphylaxis and tremor) were observed for either drug during a three-month period. Both bronchodilator agents were shown to be equally effective in the dosages used. Terbutaline is a safe bronchodilator drug when administered orally in 2.5-mg doses for children with chronic asthma in this range of ages and weights, with minimal cardiovascular side effects and effective bronchodilation.