A review of the advances in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe and within the United States. Although several medication classes are used for COPD treatment, none of these medications have been shown to significantly improve long-term lung function or mitigate overall disease progression. This review describes the pharmacologic treatment options for COPD and highlights recent studies evaluating the impact of bronchodilators and combination therapy on lung function, mortality, quality of life, and exacerbations. Additionally, indacaterol and roflumilast, 2 new COPD treatment agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011, are discussed. Pharmacists play an important role in managing and educating patients with COPD and should utilize new evidence to make recommendations.