[A new beta-2 sympathomimetic drug with longer effectiveness. Comparison with current beta-2 sympathomimetic drugs in therapy of bronchial asthma in childhood].

Inhaled beta-2-agonists are well established for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Treatment in childhood asthma has to take into account the longer night rests and intensive physical activity of the children. The new inhaled beta-2-agonist Formoterol meets these aspects because of the long lasting efficacy. In addition, compliance is increased by easy handling and rare application. Effects of Formoterol in children derived from several studies are presented. In single dose studies, Formoterol (12, 24 mcg) showed a rapid onset of action and in comparison to salbutamol and fenoterol a four-fold respectively two-fold longer lasting spasmolytic effect. The protective effect against unspecific stimuli was comparable but significantly longer. This protection was even more pronounced with a higher dose (24 micrograms). Long-term studies over three months showed that Formoterol (2 x 12 micrograms/day) improved lung function and asthmatic symptoms and protected against histamine and cold-air challenge throughout the study. Formoterol was well tolerated and additional medication could be reduced. Furthermore, we accomplished a high acceptance of treatment with Formoterol for both children and their parents.