Formoterol for maintenance and as-needed treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Formoterol is a long-acting beta(2)-agonist with a rapid onset of effect in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it potentially suitable for both maintenance and as-needed bronchodilator treatment. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of maintenance formoterol in patients with COPD and to compare the effects of additional formoterol as needed with terbutaline. In this 6-month, double-blind study, 657 patients with COPD (>= 40 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] 40-70% predicted normal) were randomized to formoterol 9 mu g twice daily (bid) plus terbutaline 0.5 mg as needed (FORM bid), formoterol 9 mu g bid plus formoterol 4.5 mu g as needed (FORM bid+prn), or placebo bid plus terbutaline 0.5 mg as needed (placebo), all administered via Turbuhaler((R)). Primary efficacy variables were FEV1 and the sum of breathlessness and chest tightness scores combined symptom score. Formoterol significantly (P < 0.01) increased FEV1 compared with placebo: FORM bid 6.5% (95% CI: 2.5, 10.7%); FORM bid+prn 11.8% (95% CI: 7.7, 16.2%). Combined symptom score decreased significantly in both formoterol groups compared with placebo: FORM bid -0.27 (95% CI: -0.49, -0.06; P = 0.012); FORM bid+prn -0.32 (95% CI: -0.53, -0.11; P = 0.0026). Similar significant (P < 0.05) improvements were seen in both formoterol groups for morning peak expiratory flow, cough and steep scores, and reliever use. In this study, formoterol 9 mu g bid via Turbuhaler((R)) as maintenance therapy, with either formoterol or terbutaline as rescue medication, provided sustained improvements in lung function and COPD symptoms. Both formoterol regimens were welt tolerated with no differences in adverse events or electrocardiogram profiles. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.