EFFECT OF ADDING AMINOPHYLLINE INFUSION TO NEBULIZED SALBUTAMOL IN SEVERE ACUTE ASTHMA

Background - The benefit of adding theophylline to beta(2) agonists in acute asthmatic attacks has been debated frequently. Methods - In an open randomised study 25 patients with severe acute asthma who present ed to the emergency department were treated with either a combined neb ulised salbutamol (5 mg/dose) and aminophylline infusion (0.6-0.9 mg/k g/ hour), or nebulised salbutamol alone. Results - The responses to tr eatment as measured by peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the time taken t o achieve maximum PEF were similar in both groups. Side effects were o bserved more commonly in patients receiving the combined treatment. Co nclusions - Nebulised salbutamol is equally efficacious in acute asthm a when given alone or in combination with aminophylline.