OBJECTIVE Aerosolized beta2-agonists have been associated with increased morbidity in asthmatics. These drugs cause transient increases in heart rate and decreases in serum potassium levels after these drugs are first utilized. This study is designed to elucidate whether beta-adrenergic tolerance to the hemodynamic, cardiac, and electrolyte effects of inhaled terbutaline occurs during 14 days of maintenance therapy. METHODS Eight patients with stable asthma weaned off beta2-agonist therapy were studied in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study utilizing aerosolized terbutaline, 400 microg q6h. Hemodynamic measurements and M-mode echocardiography were performed before and 15 and 30 min after the initial dose of terbutaline or placebo and after a dose of aerosolized terbutaline after 14 days of aerosolized terbutaline maintenance therapy. Holter monitors were worn on the first day of placebo or terbutaline therapy and on day 14 of terbutaline therapy. Plasma potassium, bicarbonate, and glucose levels, pH, renin activity, and serum insulin and aldosterone levels were measured before and after 24 and 48 h after terbutaline or placebo therapy and after 14 days of aerosolized terbutaline maintenance therapy. RESULTS Terbutaline increased cardiac index and decreased systemic vascular resistance greater after 14 days of therapy compared with the first dose (5.2+/-0.5 vs 4.4+/-0.6 L/min/m2; p<0.05; and 760+/-62 vs 1,016+/-118 dyne x s x cm(-5), p<0.01). After 14 days of terbutaline therapy, the mean maximum heart rate and number of episodes of heart rate > 100 beats/min were higher compared with the other study day (p<0.05). Plasma potassium level decreased from 4.29+/-0.09 to 3.65+/-0.16 mmol/L after 24 h of terbutaline and to 3.90+/-0.11 mmol/L after 48 h. Plasma potassium level returned to baseline after 14 d of terbutaline therapy. Plasma glucose and serum insulin levels rose significantly 24 h and 48 h after terbutaline and returned to baseline after 14 d of terbutaline therapy. Serum aldosterone level decreased significantly as serum potassium level decreased in the first 48 h of terbutaline therapy but returned to baseline levels after 14 d of terbutaline. CONCLUSIONS Cardiovascular beta2-receptors in patients with stable asthma do not develop tolerance to the effects of low-dose aerosolized terbutaline after 14 days of maintenance therapy. In contrast, the homeostatic mechanisms regulating serum potassium develop tolerance to low-dose terbutaline maintenance therapy. Lack of cardiovascular tolerance to maintenance doses of aerosolized beta2-agonists may be important in increased morbidity if excessive amounts of these drugs are administered during asthma exacerbations.