Cost-effectiveness of inhaled beta-agonists v. oral salbutamol in asthma: a randomized double-blind cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: Oral beta-stimulants are widely used in the management of chronic asthma in India, in spite of evidence suggesting the superiority of inhaled medication in achieving maximum bronchodilatation. An economic evaluation was performed in a randomized double-blind cross-over trial to evaluate the role of adjuvant oral beta-stimulants in the treatment of asthma. METHODS: Patients who had seasonal or perennial asthma and were using metered …