Evaluation of combination long-acting beta-2 agonists and inhaled glucocorticosteroids for treatment of asthma.
BACKGROUND
Treating asthma with a combination of inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-2-agonist is often preferred when asthma is not controlled when using a low-medium dose of an inhaled corticosteroid.


OBJECTIVE
To review the pharmacology, efficacy and safety of inhalers containing combinations of long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate-to-severe, persistent asthma.


METHODS
Using a list of keywords, we conducted a PubMed search of the literature. Data provided by the manufacturer were also reviewed.


RESULTS
Fluticasone propionate with salmeterol and budesonide with formoterol are both well tolerated, have equal clinical efficacy and have recent data affirming their safe use in diverse patient populations.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination inhalers improve asthma control in patients previously uncontrolled on inhaled corticosteroids.
Kim
Dennis
D
University of South Florida, James A Haley Veterans' Administration Hospital, College of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. dkim2@health.usf.edu
Glaum
Mark
M
Lockey
Richard
R
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids