The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of terbutaline Turbuhaler (0.5 mg qid) with that of albuterol chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) inhaler (0.2 mg qid) in middle-aged and elderly patients with obstructive lung disease. The study was performed as an open cross-over (2 x 2 weeks) and randomized study in 85 patients. A significant increase in PEF was seen after inhalation from both devices (P less than .001). Baseline PEF values before inhalation were higher with Turbuhaler than with the CFC inhaler both in the mornings and in the evenings. Fifty-six percent of the patients preferred terbutaline Turbuhaler and 26% albuterol CFC inhaler (P = .004).