These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: The scientific rationale for combining long-acting beta2-agonists and muscarinic antagonists in COPD.
    Author: Cazzola M, Molimard M.
    Journal: Pulm Pharmacol Ther; 2010 Aug; 23(4):257-67. PubMed ID: 20381630.
    Abstract:
    Bronchodilators are the cornerstone of pharmacological management of COPD. For patients whose conditions are not sufficiently controlled by monotherapy, combining bronchodilators of different classes, in particular an inhaled muscarinic antagonist with an inhaled beta(2)-agonist, seems a convenient way of delivering treatment and obtaining superior results. When administered as combination therapy, short-acting bronchodilators provide superior bronchodilation compared with individual agents given alone. More recently, long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABAs) and muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) have been introduced, and current guidelines recommend regular use of these agents alone or as concurrent therapy in COPD to maximize bronchodilation. In particular, the combination of a LABA plus LAMA seems to play an important role. This article illustrates the scientific rationale for combining LABAs and LAMAs in COPD, reviews the clinical evidence to support these agents given in combination, and discusses their potential role in the management of patients with COPD.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]