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PIRBUTEROL AND SALBUTAMOL COMPARED

Pirbuterol (Pfizer) is a structural analogue of salbutamol in which the aromatic nucleus has been replaced by a 2-pyridyl moiety. In animal studies, pirbuterol appears to be more selective for ~2 -adrenergic receptors than is salbutamol, with a less marked chronotropic action.

In a double-blind trial in 10 patients with chronic asthma, the effects of oral pirbuterol were compared with those of oral salbutamol at various single dose levels. Both drugs produced dose-dependent increases in FEV 1 significantly greater than that of placebo,

and peak levels of bronchodilation at 2 hours were equivalent following pirbuterol 15mg or salbutamol 4mg. There was no significant difference between the mean rises in heart rate caused by the drugs (about 6 beats/minute).

'Pirbuterol is an effective bronchodilator with no significant side-effects when given in single doses of up to 20mg. If it can be shown to have a sustained action, then pirbuterol may be acceptable as another effective ~2 -adrenoreceptor selective bronchodilator drug. '

Willey, R.F. et al.: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

3:595 (Aug 1976)

INPHARMA 21st August, 1976 p7