A new inhalation technique for freon aerosols. Terbutaline aerosol with a tube extension in a 2-day cross-over comparison with salbutamol aerosol.

In a double-blind, cross-over, 2-day study 32 adult asthmatic patients compared the bronchodilating effect of 0.5 mg terbutaline sulphate aerosol, administered via a 10 cm tube extension attached to the actuator of a pressurized aerosol, with that of 0.2 mg salbutamol sulphate, administered by a conventional pressurized aerosol. New instructions for the inhalation technique were given for the terbutaline aerosol, dividing the actuation of the aerosol and the slow inhalation into two steps. The salbutamol aerosol was to be taken according to the instructions enclosed, i.e. coordinating the actuation of the aerosol and the inhalation. The improvement in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) values was similar for the two treatments. Subjective assessments by the patients showed no differences between the two regimens. As the effect seems to be equal, an aerosol actuator furnished with a tube extension, with no strict demands of synchronizing the actuation of the aerosol and the inhalation, could be a suitable alternative treatment in patients who find self-administration with conventional asthma aerosols difficult.