SUBSENSITIVITY TO BRONCHODILATOR ACTION OF ALBUTEROL PRODUCED BY CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

Evidence of bronchodilator subsensitivity was sought in studies using the specific .beta.2 adrenergic agonist, albuterol. After a period of 1 or 2 wk off all oral sympathomimetic agents, mean response of the patients to the 1st dose of albuterol was consistently greater than the response after a period during which the drug had been administered regularly. Maximal decrease in response occurred after 2 wk of treatment, and there was no further decrease after prolonged treatment with the same dose of albuterol for periods as long as 1 yr.