Inhaled beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol extra-fine fixed combination in the treatment of asthma: evidence and future perspectives.
BACKGROUND
Combinations of a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) are effective and safe options in asthma management.


OBJECTIVE
To review available data on a recently developed combination of beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) and formoterol (F) given via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler.


METHODS
Published data on preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the treatment of asthma, BDP/F was shown to be at least as effective and well-tolerated as other available combinations of ICS and LABA with the advantage of a better cost effectiveness, and more effective in improving asthma control than BDP and formoterol given via separate inhalers. The extra-fine BDP/F combination appears to be a valuable therapeutic option in the management of asthma.
Fabbri
Leonardo Michele
LM
Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, I-41100 Modena, Italy. fabbri.leonardo@unimore.it
Nicolini
Gabriele
G
Olivieri
Dario
D
Papi
Alberto
A
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D010316:Particle Size
D000335:Aerosol Propellants; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D001507:Beclomethasone; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate