Effects of tiotropium and other long acting bronchodilators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounts for a major workload in both primary and secondary care. It is characterised by progressive airflow obstruction which does not fully reverse to inhaled or oral pharmacotherapy. The diagnosis should be considered in any current or former smoker who has symptoms of breathlessness, wheeze, cough, sputum production and impaired exercise tolerance. From a pharmacological perspective, short-acting bronchodilators (anti-cholinergics and beta(2)-agonists) play a vital role in immediate relief of symptoms. However, in patients with persistent symptoms and exacerbations, long-acting bronchodilator therapy is advocated for regular use. Tiotropium is a newly introduced long-acting anti-cholinergic which facilitates once daily administration. This evidence based review article discusses the use of long acting bronchodilators in COPD with a particular emphasis on the putative benefits of tiotropium.
Currie
Graeme P
GP
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Scotland, UK. graeme_currie@yahoo.com
Rossiter
Catherine
C
Miles
Sean A
SA
Lee
Daniel K C
DK
Dempsey
Owen J
OJ
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D012602:Scopolamine Derivatives; D000069447:Tiotropium Bromide