Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
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Patients of bronchial asthma were put on salbutamol, ipratropium bromide and salbutamol plus ipratropium bromide inhaler in a cross over manner to assess the relative efficacy of the drugs. Both salbutamol and ipratropium bromide inhalers were found to produce significant rise in airway functions i.e. FEV1, PEFR and FEF25-75% (p<0.005). The mean rise was higher in patients while they were on salbutamol as compared to ipratropium bromide (P<0.01). Addition of ipratropium bromide to salbutamol inhaler further enhanced the bronchodilator action of the latter drug (p<0.02). Adverse reactions were minimal and self-limiting. Majority of the patients preferred salbutamol inhaler as compared to ipratropium bromide.
