Source: Annual Congress 2002 - Asthma and COPD: pharmacology
Disease area: Airway diseases

Abstract

Formoterol is a long-acting beta2-agonist, used in asthma management. The aim of this study was to assess a six month treatment with formoterol, its influence on lung function, its tolerability and side effects. 18 patients with mild asthma, 11 women and 7 men, mean age 27.5, were recruited. Formoterol was given in a dose of 12 micrograms twice a day. The patients underwent baseline studies as follows: spirometry ( FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC), inhalation provocative test with histamine, 12-lead ECG and 24-hour ambulatory ECG and blood tests - aminotranspherase, plasma potassium, glucose and cholesterol level and blood cell count. Spirometry, evaluation of the ECG, plasma potassium and glucose level were repeated after three months. After six months of treatment with formoterol the studies were repeated as at baseline. Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test was used for statistic analysis. FVC increased significantly in all subjects (after 3 months p = 0.003 and after 6 months p = 0.002). A significant increase in HDL cholesterol was observed (p = 0.018). Other biochemical changes were not significant. There were no significant changes in the patients' 12-lead ECG, neither in the 24-hour ambulatory ECG. No significant influence on bronchial hyperreactivity was observed. All the patients reported decreased use of rescue medication,three reported mild tremor after taking the drug. Formoterol proved to be well-tolerated and helpful in maintenance treatment of mild asthma, with no evidence of dangerous adverse effects during six month treatment.

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A. D. Barela, J. Wronska, A. Safianowska, K. Tyminska, R. Chazan (Warsaw, Poland). Six month treatment with formoterol - efficacy and side effects. Eur Respir J 2002; 20: Suppl. 38, 750

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