Effect of terbutaline on mucociliary transport and sputum properties in chronic bronchitis

A double-blind study with placebo control was carried out in 20 patients with chronic bronchitis to analyze the effect of oral terbutaline on mucociliary transport and sputum properties. Terbutaline (2.5 mg tablets) was given 3 times a day for 1 week. The clinical score, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) significantly improved after treatment with terbutaline and confirmed the bronchodilating action of this drug. The mucociliary clearance measured with a radioactive aerosol tracer did not significantly differ after treatment with terbutaline and placebo although the initial site of aerosol deposition was similar in the two groups before and after treatment. The viscoelastic properties of sputum and their in vitro transport rate on the frog palate were not modified by terbutaline. The decrease in sputum volume and serum albumin concentration suggests a bronchial anti-inflammatory effect of this medication.