Effects of oral salbutamol and pirbuterol on FEV1, heart rate and blood pressure in asthmatics

1 In a double-blind trial the effects on ventilatory function (FEV₁), heart rate and blood pressure of oral pirbuterol and oral salbutamol in various single doses were studied in ten patients with chronic asthma.

2 Pirbuterol (15 mg) and salbutamol (4 mg) produced equal peak levels of bronchodilatation.

3 There was no significant difference in the mean rise in heart rates caused by the two drugs, and no other significant side-effects were noted.