title: Improved lung function and symptom control with formoterol on demand in asthma.
abstract: Many asthma patients remain symptomatic despite maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and salbutamol as rescue medication. In the present study the relative efficacy and preference for as-needed formoterol compared with salbutamol was examined. In total, 211 patients with a mean age of 45 yrs (mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 77% predicted normal), using ICS, were randomised to 3 weeks' double-blind treatment with as-needed formoterol 4.5 microg Turbuhaler and with as-needed salbutamol 100 mug Turbuhaler in a cross-over fashion. Overall, lung function and symptom control were better with as-needed formoterol than with as-needed salbutamol. During as-needed formoterol treatment daytime and night-time symptom scores were lower, peak expiratory flow and FEV1 were higher and patients experienced fewer disturbed nights (34%) compared with as-needed salbutamol. Patients preferred the formoterol treatment to salbutamol. Of the 162 patients expressing a preference, formoterol was preferred by 68% (95% confidence interval: 60-75). Subjective assessment of effectiveness also favoured formoterol, which was perceived as slightly faster acting than salbutamol. In conclusion, as-needed formoterol improved symptoms and lung function compared with salbutamol and was perceived as more effective and at least as fast acting for symptom relief.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Pulmonology, Vlietland Hospital, Burg. Knappertlaan 25, NL-3116 BA Schiedam, The Netherlands. dcheung@ssvz.nl
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: H C J
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: van Klink
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aalbers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012119:Respiration; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000420:Albuterol; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate