THE BETA-AGONIST PARADOX: IS ALBUTEROL DETRIMENTAL FOR ASTHMA?

摘要

Feline asthma is a common bronchopulmonary disorders of pet cats, and is associated with substantial morbidity and occasional mortality . The mainstay of therapy for decades has been glucocorticoids to suppress airway inflammation and bronchodilatorsto reverse bronchoconstriction. There are two major classes of bronchodilators used in cats: methylxanthines (e.g., theophylline or aminophylline) and beta-2 agonists (e.g., albuterol or terbutaline). In humans, chronic or excessive use of inhaled shortacting beta-2 agonists such as albuterol has been associated with an increased risk of death. The syndrome of asthma is remarkably similar in humans and cats. Since albuterol is frequently administered to asthmatic cats using a metered-dose inhalant andspacer, the question arises as to whether adverse effects of beta-2 agonists may also be present in this species. If so, the routine use of this medication for chronic management of cats with asthma should be seriously reconsidered.