Fenoterol hydrobromide (Berotec, Th 1165a) 0.1% solution in the treatment of allergic rhinitis

Fenoterol hydrobromide (Berotec) was employed in a randomized double-blind crossover trial for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in 25 volunteer adults. Relatively small doses of 60 micrograms per nostril every six hours were compared with those of normal saline placebos. Sixteen patients showed some degree of improvement with the active substance, including two whose doses were doubled as compared with four using placebos. Toxic effects from Berotec were mild, mostly shakiness, in 11 patients. Doubling the dosage produced little improvement in efficacy but did increase somewhat the severity of side effects. Over-all results suggest that beta-adrenergic agents such as Berotec may have a wider pharmacological action than merely on smooth muscle bronchi and that they therefore may be useful in the treatment of a non-bronchial allergic disease such as allergic rhinitis.