title: [Long-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists for asthma and COPD].
abstract: The introduction of long-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists such as salmeterol and formoterol has opened new perspectives for the treatment of asthma and, possibly, also COPD. These drugs are particularly useful in bronchial asthma and meet the requirements of several treatment guidelines to combine long-acting bronchodilator therapy with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with persistent asthma. The role of long-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists for management of COPD is less clear. While effects on lung function will be small, parameters of improved quality of life and exercise tolerance may verify the clinical role of long-acting beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists for COPD treatment in the future.
authors.affiliation: Krankenhaus Grosshansdorf, Zentrum für Pneumologie und Thoraxchirurgie, LVA Hamburg, Grosshansdorf. 100260.1723@COMPUSERVE.COM
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Rabe
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ukena
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Magnussen
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000187:drug effects; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate