A pilot study demonstrating how inhaled furosemide enhances the bronchodilator effect of salbutamol

Abstract To investigate whether inhaled furosemide can improve the bronchodilator effect of salbutamol, a single-blind crossover study in 10 subjects with stable asthma was designed. Each subject inhaled two puffs of salbutamol (200 μg) 1 hour after premedication with an aerosol preparation of either furosemide or placebo. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) was measured before premedication, again before inhalation of salbutamol, and again 30, 60, and 90 minutes after, and 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours after inhalation of salbutamol. The FEV 1 at each time interval was greater on furosemide days but the difference was significant at 1, 4, and 5 hours after salbutamol inhalation. The areas…