6533b82ffe1ef96bd1294fe6

RESEARCH PRODUCT

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

subject

description

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 under the curves on furosemide days were greater than on placebo days. The study suggests that pretreatment with inhaled furosemide enhances and prolongs the bronchodilator effect of salbutamol.