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Effectiveness of salmeterol in stable COPD.
M L Kaushik1, S Kashyap, S K Bansal
1Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, H.P.
The Indian Journal of Chest Diseases & Allied Sciences
|February 8, 2000
Summary
Inhaled salmeterol significantly improved lung function and reduced breathlessness in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients over seven days. This long-acting beta-agonist is effective for maintenance therapy in COPD.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease.
- Effective maintenance therapy is crucial for managing stable COPD symptoms and improving quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled salmeterol in patients with stable COPD.
- To assess the impact of salmeterol on lung function (spirometry) and exercise capacity (6-minute walk test).
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over seven days.
- Thirty stable COPD patients received either salmeterol or placebo, with spirometry and 6-minute walk tests performed at specified intervals.
- Bronchial asthma was excluded using a salbutamol reversibility test.
Main Results:
- Salmeterol significantly increased FEV1 by 29.2% compared to 3.3% with placebo on day 7.
- The bronchodilator effect peaked at 3 hours post-inhalation and lasted up to 12 hours.
- Salmeterol improved 6-minute walk distance by 50.7 meters versus 12.2 meters for placebo, with reduced breathlessness.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled salmeterol (50 mcg twice daily) is effective in improving lung function and exercise tolerance in stable COPD.
- Salmeterol can be recommended as a maintenance therapy for stable COPD patients.