Combined effects of theophylline and beta2- adrenoceptor stimulants in asthmatics

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Abstract
In vitro studies on human bronchial and skeletal muscle indicate that combination of theophylline and adrenergic β2-stimulants may give a potentiated therapeutic effect with fewer side-effects, such as tremor, than treatment with β2-stimulants alone. In vivo studies in asthmatics showed that pre-treatment with equipotent oral broncho-dilating doses of theophylline and terbutaline potentiated the effect of terbutaline by inhalation to the same degree, in contrast to pre-treatment with equipotent bronchodilating doses of terbutaline given by inhalation. Moderate oral bronchodilating doses of either theophylline or β2-adrenostimulant combined with β2-stimulants by aerosol, therefore, seem to be an effective form of treatment. The choice of oral treatment depends on the side-effects. In patients with tremor problems, theophylline would appear to be preferable: combination of low oral doses of theophylline and β2-adreno-stimulants gave a better bronchodilation with lower degree of skeletal muscle tremor than a higher dose β2-adrenostimulants by mouth alone.

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