@article {Cheung504, author = {D. Cheung and H. C. J. van Klink and R. Aalbers}, editor = {,}, title = {Improved lung function and symptom control with formoterol on demand in asthma}, volume = {27}, number = {3}, pages = {504--510}, year = {2006}, doi = {10.1183/09031936.06.00006805}, publisher = {European Respiratory Society}, abstract = {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{\textquoteright} double-blind treatment with as-needed formoterol 4.5 μg Turbuhaler{\textregistered} and with as-needed salbutamol 100 μg Turbuhaler{\textregistered} 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{\textendash}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.}, issn = {0903-1936}, URL = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/27/3/504}, eprint = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/27/3/504.full.pdf}, journal = {European Respiratory Journal} }