[Long-acting beta-2-agonists in the treatment of asthma]

The long-acting beta-2-agonist bronchodilators salmeterol and formoterol are relatively new drugs that may significantly improve the treatment of chronic bronchial asthma. Their physical and chemical properties partly explain the long duration of their bronchodilating action and their high affinity for beta-2-receptors. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated their ability to alleviate the symptoms of asthma. In vitro studies have also revealed interesting effects of these two drugs in some aspects of the bronchial inflammatory process. However, they should not be considered equivalent to antiinflammatory medication from a clinical point of view. National and international consensus conferences insist on the fact that salmeterol or formoterol should always be prescribed in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids.