title: Single inhaler budesonide/formoterol in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: Inhaled bronchodilators, particularly short-acting inhaled beta(2)-agonists, and systemic glucocorticosteroids are effective treatments for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, in the treatment of these episodes there may be some advantages to the longer-acting agents in that there will be prolonged bronchodilation. Moreover, high doses of systemic glucocorticosteroids are associated with a significant risk of side effects. In the last few years, evidence is mounting that nebulized budesonide and inhaled formoterol might be an alternative to oral prednisolone and short-acting beta(2)-agonists, respectively, in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD. Interestingly, some new data suggest that a combination therapy with single inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol may be an alternative to traditional therapy in the treatment of acute exacerbations of this disorder. However, since individual studies are typically statistically underpowered and are remarkably heterogeneous with regard to their conclusions, larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and determine conclusively any impact of budesonide/formoterol combination in acutely ill COPD patients.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Pneumology and Allergology, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Antonio Cardarelli High Specialty Hospital, Naples, Italy. mcazzola@qubisoftit
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cazzola
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D019819:Budesonide; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate