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Long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists in asthma therapy
R H Moore1, A Khan, B F Dickey
1Baylor College of Medicine and the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tex 77030, USA.
Chest
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists, salmeterol and formoterol, improve asthma control and quality of life when used regularly with inhaled corticosteroids. They offer sustained lung function improvement and protection against exercise-induced asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and clinical medicine
- Respiratory medicine
- Asthma treatment
Background:
- Long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists are crucial in asthma management.
- Salmeterol and formoterol are key agents in this class.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology of salmeterol and formoterol.
- Summarize clinical trial results and safety profiles.
- Discuss their therapeutic roles in asthma.
Main Methods:
- MEDLINE search and manual literature review.
- Inclusion of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Focus on studies of satisfactory quality.
Main Results:
- Salmeterol and formoterol are potent, selective beta2-agonists with >12h duration.
- Formoterol has rapid onset; salmeterol has delayed onset.
- Twice-daily use improves lung function, reduces symptoms, and enhances quality of life.
- Sustained lung function improvement with limited tolerance development.
Conclusions:
- Regular use of salmeterol or formoterol improves asthma control in patients on inhaled corticosteroids.
- Intermittent use provides protection against exercise-induced asthma and nighttime symptoms.
- Effective and safe as adjunctive asthma therapy when used properly.