title: Inhaled BDP/formoterol extra-fine combination. Evidence and future perspectives.
abstract: The combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long acting Beta-2 agonists (LABA) represents the mainstay of current treatment of moderate to severe persistent asthma. Corticosteroids and LABA combine the main pillars of asthma therapy--inhibition of inflammation and bronchodilation--and they may potentiate each other when they simultaneously reach the pharmacological target. A new extra-fine formulation containing the combination of inhaled beclometasone (BDP) and formoterol (F) (with the non polluting HFA-Hydrofluoroalkane-134a as propellant) is now available on the market. The extra-fine formulation increases the deposition into the peripheral airways and a greater proportion of the inhaled compound reaches the pharmacological target. Thus, the dose of ICS can be decreased and the risk-benefit profile improves. The efficacy and tolerance of BDP/F extra-fine combination has been documented in randomized clinical trials into which patients with moderate to severe asthma were included. These trials confirmed that the new extra-fine combination is as effective as the other fixed combinations.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine & Research Centre on Asthma and COPD, University of Ferrara. ppa@unife.it
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papi
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000639:trends; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D001507:Beclomethasone; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate