Aminophylline vs. salbutamol in exercise-induced asthma

A comparative, double-blind, cross-over trial of aminophylline (6 mg/kg i.v.) and salbutamol (200 mcg per inhalationem) was conducted in six male patients (20 to 46 years) with exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Both aminophylline and salbutamol successfully prevented EIA. The serum concentration of theophylline was within the normal range (9.8--20.3 mcg/ml). The effect of salbutamol was slightly more pronounced than the effect of aminophylline but not statistically significant. Because of the more convenient method of application, the authors give priority to salbutamol in the prevention of EIA.