Terbutaline Depot Tablets in Asthma.

Abstract

A sustained release preparation of terbutaline sulfate was formulated (Bricanyl depot tablets) to extend the duration and accordingly change the dosage regimen to twice a day. A clinical trial was performed to study effect and side effects of terbutaline depot tablets 7.5 mg twice a day compared to terbutaline tablets 5 mg 3 times a day. Patients suffering from perennial asthma and with daily requirement of asthma medicine were accepted for the study. The trial was a double-blind cross-over, double dummy and randomized. The tablets were given in 2 consecutive periods of 7 day''s duration each. The effect of terbutaline depot tablets was equal to the effect of the ordinary terbutaline tablets. The indication for using depot tablets in the basic treatment of bronchial asthma is a better patient compliance due to medication twice a day. In patients with unstable bronchial asthma and in patients with morning dips in PEF [peak expiratory flow] the more stable plasma concentration may perhaps keep the patients in a more steady state.