Comparison of ipratropium bromide and salbutamol by aerosolized solution

Ipratropium bromide (0.125 mg, 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg) and salbutamol (5 mg) by aerosolized solution produced equivalent peak bronchodilatation between one and two hours after administration to ten patients with chronic partially reversible airways obstruction. The duration of action of the two higher doses of ipratropium bromide (0.25 mg--6 hours; 0.5 mg--5 hours) was significantly greater than salbutamol (4 hours). FVC increases with both drugs and saline were greater than FEV1 increases which may indicate dilatation of small peripheral airways or removal of bronchial mucus from these sites after coughing. A dose of 0.25 mg ipratropium bromide as an aerosolised solution is recommended for clinical use.