title: Bronchodilating effects of cumulative doses of formoterol from a novel multi-dose inhaler (Airmax).
abstract: The bronchodilating properties of formoterol from a novel multi-dose inhaler, Airmax 6 microg and from a single-dose dry powder inhaler Foradil Aeroliser 12 microg were investigated in 31 adult asthmatics with FEV1 > or = 60% predicted and a reversibility > or = 12%. Patients received on a single day four doses of formoterol: cumulative dose 6, 12, 24 and 48 microg from Airmax, or 12, 24, 48 and 96 microg from Aeroliser. The mean FEV1 (SD) from baseline to 1 h after the final cumulative dose increased by 0.81 l from 2.62 (0.58) to 3.43 l (0.70) with Airmax and by 0.85 l from 2.65 (0.60) to 3.5 l (0.68) with Aeroliser. All 90% CIs for all four dose comparisons were within the equivalence range +/- 0.11. There was a higher incidence of hypokalaemia and hyperglycaemia at highest doses during treatment with the Aeroliser than with Airmax. In conclusion, formoterol delivered from Airmax provides a dose-dependent bronchodilating effect which is similar to that obtained by Aeroliser, at double the dose.
authors.affiliation: Reinier de Graaf Groep, Delft-Voorburg, Voorburg, The Netherlands. dubois@rdgg.nl
authors.forename: E F L
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Dubois
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Röder
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Iflé
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004867:Equipment Design; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate