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New Treatment Option for COPD: Two Long-Acting Bronchodilators in a Single Metered Dose Inhaler.
Am J Med. 2017 Jul 27;:
Authors: Self TH, Ellingson S
Abstract
Combination long-acting inhaled bronchodilators are central to the management of moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Glycopyrrolate is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA). In randomized controlled trials, this LAMA/LABA combination in a metered dose inhaler (MDI) was shown to be effective in improving pulmonary function and quality of life. Clinicians now have the availability of three delivery systems for LAMA/LABA therapy, including MDI, dry-powder inhaler, and Soft Mist inhaler. Based on numerous patient factors such as cognitive ability, manual strength/dexterity, and peak inspiratory flow, clinicians may select the most appropriate inhalation device. For each inhalation device, persistent patient education is absolutely essential, including observation of patient use. International evidence-based guidelines stress the critical importance of ensuring correct use of inhalation devices.
PMID: 28757318 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]