[Comparative study of the effects of regular or on-demand salbutamol inhalation in the treatment of asthma].

52 asthmatic patients aged 18 to 70 years took part in a double-blind crossover trial comparing the effects of regular treatment of asthma with inhaled salbutamol (400 micrograms qds) versus irregular treatment (400 micrograms prn), each prescribed for 4 weeks. There were no differences between the two schedules regarding intensity of clinical symptoms, morning and evening values of peak expiratory flow rates and spirometric measurements. The mean daily consumption of salbutamol was higher in the period of regular treatment (2148 +/- 548 micrograms) than in the period of free treatment (800 +/- 700 micrograms).