Inhaled ipratropium bromide and fenoterol before bronchofibroscopy I. Effect on cough and need for topical anesthesia

Abstract

Beta-adrenergic agonists, such as fenoterol, and anticholinergic agents, such as ipratropium bromide, have been shown to have antitussive effects. During bronchofibroscopy, coughing often is the most prominent discomfort and is only partially relieved by topical anesthesia. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to study the effects of ipratropium bromide (0.08 mg), fenoterol (0.4 mg), and placebo inhalation powders in preventing cough during bronchoscopy. Each study drug was administered as a premedication 1 hour before the procedure. No statistically significant differences were found in the mean number of coughs or the need for lidocaine among the three study groups, whether the values were calculated for all patients or separately for those who were smokers or nonsmokers. Our results confirmed the well-known clinical finding that smokers tend to cough more during bronchoscopy. Smokers also needed more topical lidocaine during the procedure.