title: Dry-powder inhalers in acute asthma.
abstract: An updated literature search was performed to evaluate the efficacy of rapid-acting β2-agonists delivered via dry powder inhalers in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute asthma. Databases were searched from 1985 up to December 2012. A total of 23 randomized, double-blind or open clinical studies in acute asthma comparing the efficacy of a dry powder inhaler with a pressurized metered-dose inhaler or a nebulizer, and performed under controlled hospital conditions, were identified. This review found that administration of β2-agonist bronchodilators via dry powder inhalers (formoterol, salbutamol, terbutaline and budesonide/formoterol) was effective during severe asthma worsening and acute asthma attacks, and was as effective as established therapies with a pressurized metered-dose inhaler with or without a spacer, or nebulization. These results ensure that patients can rely upon dry powder inhalers equally well as other inhaler devices during episodes of asthma worsening.
authors.affiliation: Skogsvägen 5, SE-26654 Vejbystrand, Sweden. olof.selroos@telia.com.
authors.forename: Olof
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Selroos
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058995:Dry Powder Inhalers; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents