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Formoterol, a new long-acting bronchodilator for inhalation
P Arvidsson1, S Larsson, C G Löfdahl
1Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Gothenburg University, Medical Dept, CIBA-Geigy, Sweden.
The European Respiratory Journal
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Asthma patients preferred formoterol over salbutamol, experiencing better symptom control and peak expiratory flow rates. Formoterol treatment did not cause tachyphylaxis, indicating sustained effectiveness in managing asthma symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma management relies on bronchodilators like formoterol and salbutamol.
- Assessing patient preference and potential tachyphylaxis is crucial for long-term asthma control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient preference and symptom control between inhaled formoterol and salbutamol in stable asthmatics.
- To investigate the development of tachyphylaxis with formoterol compared to salbutamol.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, crossover study involving 20 stable asthmatics.
- Two-week treatment periods with formoterol (12 mcg BID) or salbutamol (200 mcg BID), with a one-week washout.
- Evaluation of asthma symptoms, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and salbutamol dose-response curves (FEV1) before and after each treatment.
Main Results:
- Formoterol was significantly preferred over salbutamol, with better symptom control, PEFR, and lower rescue inhaler use.
- No evidence of tachyphylaxis was observed with formoterol; dose-response curves showed improved bronchodilation post-treatment.
- Salbutamol dose-response curves remained consistent before and after both treatment periods.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled formoterol is well-appreciated by asthmatics and demonstrates superior efficacy compared to salbutamol.
- Formoterol does not induce tachyphylaxis in stable asthmatics, suggesting sustained bronchodilator response.