Equivalent clinical effectiveness of old and new models of easyhaler

We compared the bronchodilating effect and tolerability of salbutamol admin istered by means of 2 Easyhaler models in a double-masked, randomized, cros sover study in 20 adult patients with chronic asthma. Spirometry Tvas done immediately before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after salb utamol administration using Easyhalers. An analysis of variance and Hodges- Lehman estimation were used in the statistical analysis. Bronchodilating ef ficacy and tolerability were similar in both the old and new versions of Ea syhaler concerning administration of salbutamol into the lungs. Maximal rel ative changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were 12.9% and 13.2% after use of the new and old versions of Easyhaler, respectively. Ab solute FEV, values and areas under the FEV, curve were also similar after u se of both Easyhaler models. Easyhaler is a rational substitute for metered -dose inhalers in administering salbutamol into the lungs because chloroflu orocarbon propellants will be banned as soon as alternative ways exist to t reat asthma. Key words: salbutamol, Easyhaler, chronic asthma.