Isoetharine-isoproterenol: a comparison of effects in childhood status asthmaticus

Eighteen children in status asthmaticus, six to 14 years of age, were systematically studied to compare the efficacy of aerosolized isoetharine and isoproterenol. The studies were conducted in a randomized, double-blind fashion. Five inhalations of 1% isoetharine and 0.5% isoproterenol were administered via a wall-mounted air/O2 nebulizing unit. Pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, FVC, PEFR, FEV1 and FEF25-75 were measured at the patient's bedside. Isoetharine produced significantly less cardiac side effect and tended to produce a greater improvement in pulmonary function than did isoproterenol. In addition, no change from baseline was noted in any of the parameters at 120 minutes following treatment with either medication.