Comparison of fenoterol and terbutaline administered by intermittent positive pressure breathing

The bronchodilator properties and side-effects of three doses of fenoterol (0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg) and terbutaline (2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg) were assessed in 12 patients with stable chronic asthma. The drugs were administered by intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) in 40% oxygen via a Bennett ventilator. No differences likely to be of clinical significance were found between the effects of the three different dose levels of fenoterol and terbutaline, although terbutaline had a significantly greater duration of action. It is concluded that fenoterol 2 mg and terbutaline 10 mg can be administered by IPPB in 40% oxygen for the treatment of asthma.