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Fixed-dose saIbutamoI favoured inchildren

THERAPY

'A varillbk salbulllmol [albuterol] dose schedule based on bodyweight should be abolished in favour of fixed doses according to age' in children, as the 2 regimens are clinically equivalent. say Australian researchers. The approved product information for salbutamol currently recommends paediatric doses based on bodyweight.

The efficacy of salbutamol nebules 2.5mg and respirator solution 0.1 mglkg (both delivered by wet nebulisation) were compared in 99 children, aged 4-12 years, with mild-moderate acute asthma

Significant improvements in clinical scores and peak expiratory flow rates and increases in oxygen saturation were achieved in both groups, with no significant between-group differences.

OberkIaid F. Mellis CM, I.e Soui!f PN, Geelhoed GC, Maccarrone AL. A comparison of a bodyweight dose versus a fixed dose of nebulised saIbutamol in acute asthma in children. Medical Journal of AusuaIia 158: 751-753, 7 Jun 1993 ...,.".,,,

3 July 1993INPHAAMA- ISSN 015&-270319310703-0012J$1.ocf' Ad .. InterMtIoMI Ltd