FOCUS ON PROCATEROL - A BETA(2)-SELECTIVE ADRENERGIC BRONCHODILATOR FOR USE IN ASTHMA AND OTHER BRONCHIAL AIRWAY DISORDERS

Procaterol is a new BETA2-selective adrenergic broncho-dilator. The in halation form of the drug is awaiting FDA approval for the management of asthma and related bronchial airway disorders. The drug possesses a carbostyril moiety, which makes it chemically unique among agents in this class. Compared with albuterol, procaterol has been shown to be a ssociated with greater improvements in FEV1 and a greater duration of improved pulmonary function. In patients with exercise-induced asthma, procaterol has been shown to be as effective as albuterol and more ef fective than disodium cromoglycate. The most frequent side effect note d with procaterol is tremor, the onset of which is 2 to 3 hours post-d ose. Overall, procaterol offers a potential improvement in efficacy as compared with albuterol, but may be associated with a greater frequen cy of side effects.