Formoterol used as needed - clinical effectiveness

A number of studies have already demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of formoterol when used as maintenance therapy inpatients requiring both a be ta (2)-agonist with along duration of action and a regular inhaled corticos teroid. However, formoterol has a unique mechanism of action that gives it both fast- and long-acting properties. Hence the question arises as to whet her formoterol can also be used as first-line reliever medication in additi on to maintenance therapy. Compared with terbutaline, formoterol used as ne eded in steroid-treated mild to moderate asthma has superior efficacy not o nly significantly improving peak flow, but also the exacerbation rate. In m oderate to severe asthma, formoterol used as needed has demonstrated effica cy comparable with salbutamol and terbutaline in improving symptoms and lun g function, Single doses of formoterol have also been shown to result in pr otection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction for periods up to 12 h. Furthermore, bronchoprotection was maintained following repeated dosing, although further research is needed to confirm the duration of protection achieved with frequent and regular use. Initial research also suggests that formoterol is as effective and well tolerated as terbutaline in the treatm ent of acute asthma attacks. The evidence presented supports the use of for moterol on an as-needed basis for effective asthma control. (C) 2001 Harcou rt Publishers Ltd.