Long term haemodynamic, pulmonary function and symptomatic effects of pirbuterol in COPD.

Abstract

Haemodynamic studies at rest and during exercise together with radionuclide ventriculography, pulmonary function and clinical well-being assessment were evaluated in ten patients with COPD and secondary pulmonary hypertension (mean PAP 25 mm Hg), before and after 6 months therapy with pirbuterol 20 mg thrice daily. Despite the continued pharmacological action of pirbuterol on the heart and systemic circulation during peak pirbuterol levels at 6 months, no significant effect on the pulmonary circulation was observed. Seven patients reported an improvement in the level of fatigue, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide fell significantly (6.5 +/- 0.9 to 6.1 +/- 0.9 kPa: P less than 0.01) and there was a slight bronchodilator effect [forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) 0.60 +/- 0.18 to 0.71 +/- 0.2 1s-1: P less than 0.02] after 6 months. The drug was generally well tolerated but three patients with pre-existing biliary tract disease developed obstructive jaundice.

• Authors: J B Neilly, R Carter, A Tweddel, W Martin, I Hutton, S W Banham, R D Stevenson
• Journal: Respiratory medicine (Respir Med) Vol. 83 Issue 1 Pg. 59-65 (Jan 1989) ISSN: 0954-6111 [Print] England
• PMID: 2511610 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Bronchodilator Agents
• Ethanolamines
• Carbon Dioxide
• pirbuterol

Topics

• Aged
• Blood Gas Analysis
• Bronchodilator Agents (therapeutic use)
• Carbon Dioxide (blood)
• Ethanolamines (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hemodynamics (drug effects)
• Humans
• Lung (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Lung Diseases, Obstructive (blood, drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged