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Fenoterol dose-response study in children with asthma
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 1, 1984
Summary
Fenoterol effectively treats airway obstruction in children with asthma. A 5 mg oral dose is optimal, offering significant improvement with acceptable side effects for children aged 8-12 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Airway obstruction is a key feature of pediatric asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral fenoterol in children with asthma.
- To determine the optimal oral dosage of fenoterol for pediatric asthma patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 20 children with moderate stable asthma.
- Oral administration of fenoterol in single doses (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg).
- Pulmonary function tests conducted over a 6-hour period post-administration.
Main Results:
- Fenoterol demonstrated bronchodilator effects within 1 hour, peaking at 1.5-3 hours.
- Doses of 5 mg and 7.5 mg showed significantly greater improvement than 2.5 mg.
- The 5 mg dose was found to be optimal, with no added benefit from 7.5 mg, which also had increased side effects like tachycardia.
Conclusions:
- Fenoterol is a potent oral bronchodilator for pediatric asthma.
- The optimal oral dose for children aged 8-12 years is 5 mg.
- The 5 mg dose provides significant pulmonary function improvement with acceptable tolerability.
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