Comparison of salbutamol powder with terbutaline aerosol administered with a tube spacer in asthmatic children

The bronchodilator effect of 400 micrograms of salbutamol powder (2 capsules) administered by a rota-haler was compared with that of 500 micrograms of terbutaline (2 metered doses) administered as an aerosol via a tube-spacer in a group of ten stable asthmatic children (mean age 12 years). The salbutamol powder produced significantly greater bronchodilatation compared with the terbutaline. Forty-five minutes after the administration of each preparation, nebulised salbutamol was given to determine if further bronchodilatation was possible. Additional bronchodilatation was seen in both groups, the greater additional change being after terbutaline. It is concluded that 400 micrograms of salbutamol powder was more effective than 500 micrograms of terbutaline via tube-spacer but following both preparations, nebulised salbutamol produced significant additional bronchodilatation.