The efficacy of nebulized procaterol versus nebulized salbutamol for the treatment of moderate acute asthma: A randomized, double-blind, parallel group study

Objective: β ₂ agonists have been used widely as relievers in asthma management. Procaterol is a selective β ₂ agonist, claimed to be more selective than salbutamol. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of nebulized procaterol with nebulized salbutamol in the treatment of moderate acute asthma. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel group study in 140 patients with moderate acute asthma according to modified GINA 1998 who visited emergency department of Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta. Patients were randomly assigned to receive three doses of either nebulized procaterol or salbutamol. The primary efficacy variable was the improvement in predicted peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), while the secondary efficacy variable was the improvement in asthma score and the incidence and severity of adverse events. This study is registered at Current Controlled Trials, number ISCTRN25669625. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. After treatment, there were significant improvement of % PEFR (p < 0.001) and asthma score (p < 0.001) in procaterol (n = 68) and salbutamol (n = 69) groups. It was shown that procaterol and salbutamol produced similar efficacy in improving % predicted PEFR and decreasing asthma score. Both treatments were well tolerated. Palpitation and sinus tachycardia were found as adverse events with low incidence. Conclusion: In moderate acute asthma, nebulized procaterol and nebulized salbutamol were both effective in improving PEFR and decreasing asthma score. Both treatments were well tolerated, adverse reactions were rare.