The bronchodilator response to salmeterol is maintained with regular, long-term use in patients with COPD.
Long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABAs) are recommended in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the LABA, salmeterol, improves lung function, symptoms and quality of life in patients with COPD. In this study, we have performed additional analyses of the combined data from two previous double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel studies of salmeterol (50 microg, b.i.d) in patients with COPD. The new analyses reveal that the significant improvements seen in pre-dose and 2-h post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) compared to placebo, occur early in the treatment period, and are sustained for at least 24 weeks. Moreover, improvements in peak expiratory flow rate occur as early as Day 1, and are sustained throughout the 24-week period. Additional analyses of 12-h FEV(1) data also show that salmeterol is associated with an increase in the area under the curve at Week 12 compared with Day 1, adding further support to evidence that it results in a sustained bronchodilator response, with no evidence of tolerance.
Hanania
N A
NA
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA. hanania@bcm.tmc.edu
Kalberg
C
C
Yates
J
J
Emmett
A
A
Horstman
D
D
Knobil
K
K
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D011208:Powders / Q000008:administration & dosage; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D013997:Time Factors
D000730:Androstadienes; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D011208:Powders; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol