Dose-effect Relationship of the β-Agonists Fenoterol and Salbutamol in Patients With Asthma

QUESTION: What is the relative per microgram potency and side effect profile of the beta-agonists salbutamol and fenoterol? METHOD: The relative bronchodilator (delta FEV1, V25, V50) potency and side effect profile (delta tremor, heart rate, breathlessness, BP) of nebulized salbutamol and fenoterol were evaluated by means of a randomized, double-blind, crossover, cumulative (50 to 2,500 micrograms) dose-response study. Both beta-agonists were …