Inhaled salmeterol/fluticasone propionate: a review of its use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The salmeterol/fluticasone propionate dry powder inhaler (DPI) [Advair Diskus, Seretide Accuhaler] contains the long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonist salmeterol and the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone propionate. In the US, twice-daily salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50/250 microg is approved for use in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis, and in the EU, the twice-daily 50/500 microg dosage is approved for use in patients with severe COPD, repeat exacerbations and significant symptoms despite bronchodilator therapy. In patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, twice-daily inhaled salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50/250 or 50/500 microg for 24-52 weeks improves predose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) significantly more than salmeterol monotherapy, improves postdose or postbronchodilator FEV1 significantly more than fluticasone propionate monotherapy and results in clinically significant improvements in health-related quality of life. Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50/500 microg significantly reduced annual COPD exacerbations, especially in severe COPD. Some corticosteroid-related adverse events were increased in recipients of fluticasone propionate with or without salmeterol versus salmeterol monotherapy or placebo; withdrawal from fluticasone propionate, including combination therapy, needs careful management to minimise COPD exacerbations. The DPI combining a corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist provides benefits over monotherapy and may encourage patient compliance in COPD.
Adis International Limited, Auckland, New Zealand. demail@adis.co.nz
Caroline
C
Fenton
Gillian M
GM
Keating
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000420:Albuterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life
D000730:Androstadienes; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D000420:Albuterol