17.01.6 Combination Treatment to Treat and Prevent Asthma

For treatment and prevention of asthma, an inhaler containing a long lasting selective b₂-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) e.g. salmeterol and a glucocorticoid e.g. fluticasone are often used. When uses separately, there is often poor adherence to the glucocorticoid, as subjects forget to take it when they do not have attacks. However with a combination inhaler, the subject with asthma uses the inhaler to help in an attack of asthma, and this improves the adherence (taking) of the glucocorticoid. Thus, combinations of treatment to treat and prevent asthma leads to a reduction in the exacerbations (sudden worsening) of asthma.

Formoterol is a rapidly acting selective β₂-adrenoceptor, which is used in combination with the glucocorticoid budesonide for the treatment and prevention of asthma. Formoterol causes a rapid bronchodilation to relieve the symptoms of asthma, whereas budesonide reduces the inflammation.