Similar efficacy following four weeks treatment of asthmatics with formoterol 12 mu g BD delivered by two different dry powder inhalers: Differences in inhaler handling

This randomised, multicentre, parallel-group study compared the clinical ef ficacy and ease of handling of two dry powder inhalers delivering the long- acting beta (2)-agonist formoterol. After run-in, 200 asthmatics on treatme nt with inhaled corticosteroids and still presenting with suboptimal asthma control were randomised to receive 12 mug formoterol twice daily via eithe r the Aerolizer inhaler (Foradil (R) Aerolizer (TM)) or the Turbuhaler inha ler (Oxis (R) Turbuhaler (R)) for four weeks. Study variables included the mean morning pre-medication peak expiratory flow (PEF) during the last seve n days of treatment and the correct inhaler handling according to inhaler-s pecific checklists. The mean difference in the effect on morning pre-medica tion PEF was 13.86 l/min in favour of formoterol via the Aerolizer inhaler (90% confidence interval 2.50, 25.21) in the intent-to-treat population. Ei ghty-six per cent of the patients under treatment with formoterol via the T urbuhaler inhaler performed correctly all the essential inhalation manoeuvr es, whereas 98% of those on the Aerolizer inhaler did so. These results str ongly suggest similar clinical efficacy with twice daily treatment of formo terol 12 mug metered dose delivered either by the Aerolizer, or the Turbuha ler device. They also suggest that handling the Aerolizer is easier than th at of the Turbuhaler.