Response to inhaled albuterol during nocturnal asthma.

Background: During conventional daytime studies of beta(2)-agonists, 1 puff of a metered-dose inhaler often produces a near maximum bronchodilator response. Consequently, the US Food and Drug Administration-approved dose of albuterol is only 1 to 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours.

Objective: To determine whether a higher dose of albuterol is required to normalize lung function during nocturnal asthma.