Salbutamol by powder or spray inhalation in childhood asthma

Forty-three children from 3-16 years of age suffering from moderate bronchial asthma completed a double-blind cross-over study on the clinical effect of inhaled salbutamol (Ventoline) powder (0.2 mg/dosis) compared with spray (0.1 mg/dosis) over two 4-week periods. Both administrations gave significant improvement in air flow meter (AFM) results. There was no significant difference between the periods on active powder or spray regarding daily symptom scores, adjuvant medication or AFM values. The powder caused cough in four children but in 12 of 28 children it was considered as easy or easier to accept as the spray; nine of these 12 children were younger than 10 years of age. It is concluded that salbutamol inhaled as a powder is a useful alternative when using a spray is difficult or unwanted.