Salmefamol orally in asthmatics?Two doses compared

Abstract

The responses of twelve patients with chronic asthma to salmefamol 1 mg and 2 mg, taken orally, were compared in a double-blind cross-over study. Both produced a rise of 40 – 50 % in PEFR and FEV₁. Statistically significant improvements were maintained for three to four hours, and 20 % improvements for four to six hours. There was no significantly different effect on ventilatory capacity between the two doses. After the 2 mg dose there was a statistically significant fall in diastolic blood pressure at 1 and 1 1/2 hours. Four patients experienced tremor and this was the only side-effect noted. The possible reasons for failure to demonstrate a greater effect with the higher dose are discussed.