Effect of intravenous injection of rimiterol in asthma.

1 The effect of i.v. rimiterol was compared with aerosol rimiterol in twelve asthmatic patients. 2 A cumulative dose of rimiterol (1050 microgram) given in six separate injections over 90 min resulted in a mean increase in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of 50.6% and FEV1 of 53.7%. 3 Comparison of the degree of bronchodilation to the same dose of rimiterol administered intravenously or by aerosol, suggested that on average the potency ratio was 10:1, i.e. ten times the aerosol dose was required to produce the equivalent bronchodilator effect. 4 Palpitations, tremor and postural hypotension were common during the first minute after the drug was injected intravenously, but did not occur after aerosol administration. 5 It is suggested that rimiterol by intravenous injection is a useful addition to the treatment of acute asthma.