title: The pharmacodynamic effects of single inhaled doses of formoterol, tiotropium and their combination in patients with COPD.
abstract: The aim of this double-blind, double-dummy, cross-over, randomized, pilot study was to compare the acute bronchodilator efficacy of a single dose of formoterol with that of tiotropium in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because the potential of tiotropium for additive effects is yet unknown, the acute effects of adding this anticholinergic agent to formoterol were also explored. A total of 20 outpatients with stable COPD were enrolled. Single doses of 12 microg formoterol, 18 microg tiotropium, and 12 microg formoterol+18 microg tiotropium were given. Serial measurements of FEV1 were performed over 24 h. Formoterol, either alone or in combination with tiotropium, elicited a significantly faster onset of action and showed a trend for a greater maximum bronchodilation than tiotropium alone. At 24 h, mean FEV1 continued to be significantly higher than pre-dosing value following tiotropium and formoterol+tiotropium. These findings indicate that formoterol and tiotropium have different profiles that make both agents attractive alternatives in the treatment of stable COPD. Since tiotropium ensures prolonged bronchodilation, whereas formoterol adds fast onset and a greater peak effect, the two drugs appear complementary.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Pneumology and Allergology, Department of Respiratory Medicine, A. Cardarelli Hospital, Via del Parco Margherita 24, Naples 80121, Italy. mcazzola@qubisoft.it
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cazzola
authors.forename: Fabiano
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Marco
authors.forename: Pierachille
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Santus
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Boveri
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verga
authors.forename: Maria Gabriella
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Matera
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Centanni
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008448:Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide