title: Fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate in fixed-dose combination for the treatment of asthma.
abstract: A new combination inhaler containing fluticasone, a potent inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol, a long-acting β-agonist (LABA) with rapid onset and sustained bronchodilator effect, has been approved for treatment of persistent asthma in patients ≥12 years of age requiring combination ICS-LABA therapy. The fluticasone/formoterol combination, delivered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler and available in three dose strengths, has demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile in trials of up to 1 year. The efficacy of fluticasone/formoterol is greater than that of fluticasone or formoterol alone and noninferior to that of fluticasone/salmeterol and budesonide/formoterol in tightly controlled 8-12-week clinical trials. Advantages of the fluticasone/formoterol combination aerosol include rapid onset of bronchodilation, an attribute preferred by patients, and emission of a high fine-particle fraction that is consistent at different flow rates, which may aid consistency of delivery (given patient variability in inhalation maneuvers) and provide real-life benefits.
authors.affiliation: Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Elizabeth V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Hillyer
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000336:Aerosols; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000068298:Fluticasone; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D010316:Particle Size; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000336:Aerosols; D000730:Androstadienes; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000068298:Fluticasone; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate
keywords: anti-inflammatory; asthma; bronchodilator; fluticasone propionate; formoterol fumarate; inhaled corticosteroid; long-acting β-agonist