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Improved lung function and symptom control with formoterol on demand in asthma
D Cheung1, H C J van Klink, R Aalbers
1Dept of Pulmonology, Vlietland Hospital, Burg. Knappertlaan 25, NL-3116 BA Schiedam, The Netherlands. dcheung@ssvz.nl
The European Respiratory Journal
|March 2, 2006
Summary
For asthma patients on maintenance therapy, as-needed formoterol offers better symptom control and lung function compared to salbutamol. Patients also preferred formoterol for rescue relief, finding it effective and fast-acting.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Many asthma patients experience persistent symptoms despite standard inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and rescue salbutamol therapy.
- There is a need to evaluate alternative rescue medications for improved symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and patient preference of as-needed formoterol versus as-needed salbutamol in asthma patients using ICS maintenance therapy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study involving 211 asthma patients.
- Patients received 3 weeks of as-needed formoterol (4.5 µg) or salbutamol (100 µg) via Turbuhaler.
- Evaluated lung function (FEV1, PEF) and symptom scores.
Main Results:
- As-needed formoterol demonstrated superior improvement in lung function and symptom control compared to salbutamol.
- Patients reported lower daytime/nighttime symptom scores and fewer disturbed nights with formoterol.
- 68% of patients preferred formoterol over salbutamol, citing perceived faster action and greater effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- As-needed formoterol is an effective rescue medication for asthma patients on ICS, improving symptoms and lung function.
- Formoterol offers a preferred alternative to salbutamol for rapid symptom relief in this patient group.
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