Comparison of Combination Inhaled Therapies for Moderate COPD

Therapy with two long-acting bronchodilators might be a way to avoid long-term inhaled steroids in COPD patients who require more than one drug for symptom control but might compromise the mortality-lowering benefit of steroids.

For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, long-acting inhaled therapies (β-agonists, anticholinergic agents, and corticosteroids) can be prescribed in various combinations. In this randomized trial, researchers compared the spirometric effects of two combinations — tiotropium (Spiriva) plus formoterol (a long-acting anticholinergic agent plus a long-acting β-agonist [LABA]) and fluticasone plus salmeterol (a steroid plus a LABA) — in 605 patients with moderate COPD. The study was supported by the maker of tiotropium.

At 6 weeks, mean peak FEV₁ was significantly greater with tiotropium plus formoterol than with fluticasone plus salmeterol (by about 100 mL) during the 12 hours after dosing; overall 12-hour FEV₁ response was also…

Reviewing Author

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)