[Problems in dose finding Practical examples presented on selected series of drugs: bronchospasmolytics, pharmacology...

The beta-adrenergic agents and the anticholinergics are cited as examples of the contribution of experimental pharmacology to determining dosage of bronchodilator drugs in man. With regard to animal species, data from dogs can be extrapolated better to man than data from guinea-pigs. As far as the modes of administration are concerned, results from inhalation studies can be extrapolated directly to man, without conversion. Greater caution is required for parenteral injection and oral administration. However, even here we have an example of effective oral dose in dogs, which correlates with the single dose in man when the difference in body-weight is taken into account. The guinea-pig is unsuitable for the oral testing.