Budesonide/formoterol in the treatment of asthma. (October 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hodgson, David; Mortimer, Kevin; Harrison, Tim
• Is Part Of: Expert review of respiratory medicine. Volume 4:Number 5(2010)
• Page Start: 557
• Page End: 566
• Publication Date: 2010-10
• Subjects: asthma -- budesonide -- combination therapy -- formoterol -- treatment; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1586/ers.10.60
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6348

Abstract

Budesonide and formoterol are available in a combined inhaler that offers therapeutic advantages in the treatment of asthma. The rapid onset of bronchodilation seen with formoterol means that budesonide/formoterol can be used as both maintenance and relief therapy. This approach has been shown to reduce exacerbations and overcome the problem of patients who overuse short-acting β-agonists at the expense of inhaled corticosteroids. Concerns regarding safety of long-acting β-agonists have not been confirmed in studies of the budesonide/formoterol combination inhaler, and we believe the benefits of this medication clearly outweigh any possible small increased risk.