Assessment of orciprenaline and isoproterenol infusions in asthmatic patients.

Abstract

The effects of intravenous orciprenaline were compared with those of intravenous isoproterenol in 11 asthmatic patients by using a multiple-dose infusion technique. The dose response curves of the 2 drugs for the one-second forced expiratory volume and for increase in heart rate were not parallel; orciprenaline was 8 to 22 times less potent. Both drugs produced significant mean rises in arterial oxygen tension by increasing alveolar ventilation.