Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure
Published on: August 25, 2017
Potential for long-acting muscarinic antagonists in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
1Ghent University Hospital, Department of Respiratory Medicine, De Pintelaan 185, Gent 9000, Belgium. guy.joos@ugent.be
Importance Of The Field:
The prevention and relief of symptoms by regular use of bronchodilators is central to the pharmacological management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Areas Covered In This Review:
The aim of this article is to review the effects of inhaled muscarinic antagonists in the treatment of stable COPD.
What The Reader Will Gain:
An update of the clinical studies performed with the long-acting inhaled muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) tiotropium bromide in patients with COPD is given. In recent years, combinations of a LAMA and a long-acting inhaled beta2-agonist (LABA), and 'triple therapy' consisting of a LAMA, a LABA, and an inhaled steroid are being developed. Issues of safety of inhaled anticholinergics in COPD are discussed and a short overview of new LAMAs being developed for COPD is given.
Take Home Messages:
The importance of anticholinergic drug treatment in COPD was largely advanced by the development of the first LAMA, tiotropium bromide. The vast experience obtained with tiotropium bromide has paved the way for new LAMAs such as aclidinium bromide and glycopyrrolate (NVA-237).
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
