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Improved lung function and symptom control with formoterol on demand in asthma

¹ Dept of Pulmonology, Vlietland Hospital, Schiedam, ² Dept of Pulmonology, Diaconessenhuis, Leiden, and ³ Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.

CORRESPONDENCE: D. Cheung, Dept of Pulmonology, Vlietland Hospital, Burg. Knappertlaan 25, NL-3116 BA Schiedam, The Netherlands. Fax: 31 102044784. E-mail: dcheung{at}ssvz.nl

Keywords: Asthma, formoterol turbuhaler, reliever, salbutamol

Received: January 19, 2005
Accepted November 7, 2005

Many asthma patients remain symptomatic despite maintenance therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and salbutamol as rescue medication. In the present study the relative efficacy and preference for as-needed formoterol compared with salbutamol was examined.

In total, 211 patients with a mean age of 45 yrs (mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) 77% predicted normal), using ICS, were randomised to 3 weeks' double-blind treatment with as-needed formoterol 4.5 µg Turbuhaler® and with as-needed salbutamol 100 µg Turbuhaler® in a cross-over fashion.

Overall, lung function and symptom control were better with as-needed formoterol than with as-needed salbutamol. During as-needed formoterol treatment daytime and night-time symptom scores were lower, peak expiratory flow and FEV₁ were higher and patients experienced fewer disturbed nights (34%) compared with as-needed salbutamol. Patients preferred the formoterol treatment to salbutamol. Of the 162 patients expressing a preference, formoterol was preferred by 68% (95% confidence interval: 60–75). Subjective assessment of effectiveness also favoured formoterol, which was perceived as slightly faster acting than salbutamol.

In conclusion, as-needed formoterol improved symptoms and lung function compared with salbutamol and was perceived as more effective and at least as fast acting for symptom relief.