[Pharmacological therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

None of the available drugs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is able to reduce the progressive decline in lung function which is the hallmark of this disease. Smoking cessation is the only intervention that has been shown so far to reduce disease progression. The current pharmacological therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is largely symptomatic and is based on bronchodilators including selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonists (short- and long-acting), anticholinergics, theophylline, or a combination of these drugs. Due to the lack of efficacy, side effects at high doses, and high costs, glucocorticoids should not be used routinely for management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, although they are effective for exacerbations. New pharmacological strategies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are needed because the current management is inadequate.