title: Use of a fixed combination beta 2-agonist and steroid dry powder inhaler in asthma.
abstract: In many countries the majority of patients with asthma are now treated with inhaled beta 2-agonists as required and regular inhaled steroids. Compliance with asthma medication is poor, particularly for inhaled steroids, which do not give immediate relief of symptoms. An inhaler combining a beta 2-agonist and a steroid may improve compliance and give better control of asthma. We have studied the effect of a fixed combination dry powder inhaler (Turbuhaler) containing terbutaline (250 micrograms) with budesonide (200 micrograms) compared with each drug given alone in a double-blind, crossover study in 74 patients with mild to moderate asthma. This was a multicenter study performed in general practice. After a 1-wk run-in period with placebo inhaler, each treatment was given twice daily for 4 wk in randomized order. Patients measured symptom scores and rescue inhaled beta 2-agonist use and recorded peak expiratory flow (PEF) twice daily. In nine patients recruited to a hospital center, airway responsiveness was measured by the concentration of methacholine required to produce a fall in FEV1 of 20% (PC20) at the end of each treatment period. Of 74 patients randomized, 68 completed all three treatment periods. Their mean age was 37 (18-60) yr and PEF 80 (43-116) % predicted. Combination treatment gave a significant improvement in morning and evening PEF budesonide or terbutaline treatment periods (p < 0.01), and a significant reduction in asthma symptom scores and rescue beta 2-agonist use (p < 0.05). There was a significant patient preference for the combination inhaler.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019819:Budesonide; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011282:Pregnenediones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D011282:Pregnenediones; D019819:Budesonide; D013726:Terbutaline