The future of bronchodilation: looking for new classes of bronchodilators.

Available bronchodilators can satisfy many of the needs of patients suffering from airway disorders, but they often do not relieve symptoms and their long-term use raises safety concerns. Therefore, there is interest in developing new classes that could help to overcome the limits that characterise the existing classes.At least nine potential new classes of bronchodilators have been identified: 1) selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors; 2) bitter-taste receptor agonists; 3) E-prostanoid receptor 4 agonists; 4) Rho kinase inhibitors; 5) calcilytics; 6) agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ; 7) agonists of relaxin receptor 1; 8) soluble guanylyl cyclase activators; and 9) pepducins. They are under consideration, but they are mostly in a preclinical phase and, consequently, we still do not know which classes will actually be developed for clinical use and whether it will be proven that a possible clinical benefit outweighs the impact of any adverse effect.It is likely that if developed, these new classes may be a useful addition to, rather than a substitution of, the bronchodilator therapy currently used, in order to achieve further optimisation of bronchodilation.

The ABCD of COPD For Patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic condition that requires the engagement of our patients in lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatment. Although there are guidelines on many aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management, the challenge of engaging our patients persists. We propose a simple mnemonic that we hope will make it easier for patients and clinicians to achieve this goal together.

A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica é uma patologia crónica cujo tratamento depende do envolvimento dos doentes em mudanças de estilo de vida e tratamento farmacológico. Embora existam recomendações clínicas no tratamento da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crónica, o desafio em envolver os doentes persiste. Propomos uma mnemónica simples que esperamos contribuir para alcançar esse objetivo comum a médicos e doentes.

Cuidado que el medicamento no se te salga por la nariz / Ensure the medication is not expelled through the nose

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una patología caracterizada por una reducción persistente del flujo de aire. Esta enfermedad pulmonar es progresiva y potencialmente mortal. Suele causar disnea y las exacerbaciones y comorbilidades asociadas hacen que el pronóstico sea peor. Se presenta un caso de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico realizado siguiendo la metodología del Foro de Atención Farmacéutica en Farmacia Comunitaria en el Aula de Práctica Farmacéutica «Paco Martínez» de la Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera a un paciente real con EPOC y polimedicado, utilizando como método el «aprendizaje basado en problemas». Como apoyo para la evaluación de la situación se realiza un análisis de las diferentes teorías publicadas sobre la ineficacia del tratamiento. Además, se expone el nuevo enfoque que se le quiere dar al tratamiento de los pacientes con EPOC, valorando la heterogeneidad de la enfermedad y la variabilidad clínica de cada paciente mediante la revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos científicas Pubmed/Medline y Google Académico, junto con la búsqueda de información en las diferentes páginas web de organismos oficiales, Organización Mundial de la Salud y Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AU)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pathology characterized by a persistent reduction in airflow. This lung disease is progressive and potentially life-threatening. It can cause shortness of breath and predisposes you to severe exacerbations and illness, and symptoms gradually worsen. A case of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up carried out in the Pharmaceutical Practice Classroom «Paco Martínez» of the Cardenal Herrera CEU University is presented to a real patient with COPD and polymedicated. It is used as a learning method based on problems. To support the evaluation of the situation, an analysis will be made of the different theories published on the ineffectiveness of treatment. In addition, the new approach to the treatment of COPD patients will be presented, assessing the heterogeneity of the disease and the clinical variability of each patient through bibliographic review in scientific databases PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, in addition to searching for information on the different websites of official institutions, the World Health Organization and the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AU)

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease inhalers: Techniques for proper use.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions of Americans. Inhalers are necessary to manage these diseases, but physicians and patients often struggle to use them correctly. OBJECTIVE: To simplify inhaler use for patients and physicians. METHODS: This article compares the various inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD, their techniques for use, and the steps necessary to prime the inhaler if required. The authors provide a suggested standardized technique for the use of metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft-mist inhalers to provide for a more universal approach for the use of these medications and summarizes how each product is to be used per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved package insert. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The simplified techniques proposed in this article for the use of metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft mist inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD may limit inhaler misuse and aid in proper medication delivery and treatment.

Assessing the determinants of the potential for cost-effectiveness over time: the empirical case of COPD.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the potential for cost-effectiveness of new technologies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over the period from 2001 to 2010. METHODS: Lung function outcomes and drug prices were observed for a UK COPD population over the period from 2001 to 2010. Cost-effectiveness was assessed at regular intervals on the basis of an established cost-effectiveness model, and the maximum price a technology providing cure could achieve under the current cost-effectiveness rules was estimated. RESULTS: The results of this study show that although the scope for clinical improvement in COPD was still considerable, during the 10 years studied, the potential for cost-effectiveness at each point in time was dependent on momentary market characteristics, such as the changing price of comparators and improvements in clinical effectiveness. As a result, the analysis demonstrates that the future cost-effectiveness of a technology in development depends on the manner pricing and clinical effectiveness evolve throughout time. CONCLUSIONS: Because any predictions will be short-lived and dependent on a number of uncertain factors, we conclude that producing accurate forecasts on the potential for cost-effectiveness of new therapies earlier during the development process is especially difficult under the current static cost-effectiveness framework.

[Short-term effect of tiotropium in COPD patients being treated with a beta2 agonist]. / Efeito de curto prazo do tiotrópio nos portadores de DPOC em tratamento com beta2-agonista.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term impact of tiotropium in patients with severe or very severe COPD who complain of dyspnea despite being currently treated with other bronchodilators. METHODS: A prospective study including patients with severe or very severe COPD and complaining of dyspnea at rest or on minimal exertion. Every 15 days, the bronchodilator treatment regimen was altered, from salmeterol to tiotropium to salmeterol+tiotropium. At the end of each regimen, pulmonary function tests and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed. The degree of dyspnea and the ability to perform activities of daily living were also assessed. To evaluate patient ability to perform activities of daily living, we employed the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL), validated for use in Brazil. RESULTS: We evaluated 52 patients, 30 of whom completed the study. The use of tiotropium in isolation resulted in significant improvement in dyspnea at baseline (mean Medical Research Council scale score reduced from 3.0 to 2.5) and at the end of 6MWT (mean Borg scale score reduced from 6.1 to 4.5), and the differences were significant (p < 0.05 for both). The use of the salmeterol+tiotropium combination resulted in a significant (81 mL) increase in FEV1 and a 5.7 point improvement in the LCADL score. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of tiotropium into the treatment of patients with severe or very severe COPD and using long-acting beta2 agonists improves pulmonary function and provides symptomatic relief, as perceived by patients in the short term. These results, obtained under real life treatment conditions, support the use of the salmeterol+tiotropium combination in specific treatment protocols for these patients.

Use of ozone-depleting substances; removal of essential-use designation (flunisolide, etc.). Final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is amending FDA's regulation on the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) in self-pressurized containers to remove the essential-use designations for flunisolide, triamcinolone, metaproterenol, pirbuterol, albuterol and ipratropium in combination, cromolyn, and nedocromil used in oral pressurized metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). The Clean Air Act requires FDA, in consultation with the EPA, to determine whether an FDA-regulated product that releases an ODS is an essential use of the ODS. FDA has concluded that there are no substantial technical barriers to formulating flunisolide, triamcinolone, metaproterenol, pirbuterol, albuterol and ipratropium in combination, cromolyn, and nedocromil as products that do not release ODSs, and therefore they will no longer be essential uses of ODSs as of the effective dates of this rule. MDIs for these active moieties containing an ODS may not be marketed after the relevant effective date.

Efeito de curto prazo do tiotrópio nos portadores de DPOC em tratamento com B2-agonista / Short-term effect of tiotropium in COPD patients being treated with a B2 agonist

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de curto prazo do uso de tiotrópio em pacientes com DPOC grave e muito grave com queixas de dispneia apesar do tratamento com outros broncodilatadores. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo incluindo pacientes com DPOC grave ou muito grave, com queixa de dispneia de pequenos esforços ou ao repouso. A cada 15 dias, o tratamento broncodilatador foi modificado: salmeterol, tiotrópio e associação salmeterol+tiotrópio. Ao final de cada regime, foram realizados testes de função pulmonar e teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). Também foram avaliados o grau de dispneia e a capacidade de realização de atividades de vida diária. Para a avaliação das atividades de vida diária, foi utilizada a escala London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) validado para uso no Brasil. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 52 pacientes. Desses, 30 completaram o estudo. A introdução de tiotrópio como monoterapia resultou em uma melhora significativa (p < 0,05) da dispneia basal (média do escore da escala do Medical Research Council de 3,0 para 2,5) e ao final do TC6 (média do escore da escala de Borg de 6,1 para 4,5), e as diferenças foram significativas (p < 0,05 para ambos). O uso da associação salmeterol+tiotrópio resultou em um aumento significativo médio de 81 mL no VEF1 e na melhora de 5,7 pontos no escore da escala LCADL. CONCLUSÕES: A introdução de tiotrópio no tratamento de pacientes com DPOC grave a muito grave em uso de β2-agonistas de longa duração causa melhora na função pulmonar e alivio sintomático perceptível pelos pacientes a curto prazo. Esses resultados, obtidos em regime de atendimento de vida real, dão suporte ao uso da associação salmeterol+tiotrópio em protocolos de assistência específicos a esses pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term impact of tiotropium in patients with severe or very severe COPD who complain of dyspnea despite being currently treated with other bronchodilators. METHODS: A prospective study including patients with severe or very severe COPD and complaining of dyspnea at rest or on minimal exertion. Every 15 days, the bronchodilator treatment regimen was altered, from salmeterol to tiotropium to salmeterol+tiotropium. At the end of each regimen, pulmonary function tests and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed. The degree of dyspnea and the ability to perform activities of daily living were also assessed. To evaluate patient ability to perform activities of daily living, we employed the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL), validated for use in Brazil. RESULTS: We evaluated 52 patients, 30 of whom completed the study. The use of tiotropium in isolation resulted in significant improvement in dyspnea at baseline (mean Medical Research Council scale score reduced from 3.0 to 2.5) and at the end of 6MWT (mean Borg scale score reduced from 6.1 to 4.5), and the differences were significant (p < 0.05 for both). The use of the salmeterol+tiotropium combination resulted in a significant (81 mL) increase in FEV1 and a 5.7 point improvement in the LCADL score. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of tiotropium into the treatment of patients with severe or very severe COPD and using long-acting β2 agonists improves pulmonary function and provides symptomatic relief, as perceived by patients in the short term. These results, obtained under real life treatment conditions, support the use of the salmeterol+tiotropium combination in specific treatment protocols for these patients.

Equivalence of a single saline nebulised dose of formoterol powder vs three doses of nebulised Albuterol every twenty minutes in acute asthma in children: a suitable cost effective approach for developing nations

Background: An increase in asthma prevalence is reported from developed as well as developing nations, with rising costs from acute asthma and great expenditures to health care systems. Venezuela’s Ministry of Health ambulatory facilities care for 80% or more of a mostly urban and impoverished population of 26 million inhabitants, registering close to a million acute asthma visits per year; a nebulised fixed fenoterol-ipratropium bromide combination (Berodual®, Boehringer-Ingelheim) in repeated dosing isthe standard treatment. Objectives: to simplify acute asthma care and management in a cost effective manner employing Formoterol Fumarate powder, a long acting beta agonist with immediate bronchodilator effects. Methodology: Fifty acute asthmatic children (5-12 years old) were randomly assigned (25 patients ineach group) to receive either a nebulised single dose (US $1.35) of two 12 g Formoterol Fumarate capsules (Foradil® 12 g/cap, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) diluted in 2.5 ml of sterile saline solution; or 3 doses of Albuterol (US $ 6.73) every twenty minutes for one hour (Glaxo Smith Kline Albuterol ampoules, 2.5 mg/2.5 ml, at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg/dose, maximum dose 2.5 mg). Symptoms score, oxygen saturation and lung function testing were recorded before and one hour after commencing treatments. Results: Both groups improved significantly on all parameters, except for FEV 1 in the Albuterol group. Conclusions: Single dose nebulised Formoterol Fumarate (dry powder) in sterile saline solution, as depicted in this trial, is equivalent to three doses of Albuterol every twenty minutes for one hour in acute asthma in children, simplifying acute care management and at one fifth of medication costs. A pursuit of simpler and more cost effective approaches is found wanting in developing nations with depressed economies and unique cultural and socio-medical contexts; also, in countries where pharmaco-economics orients quality of health policies, novel approaches like this are worth exploring

No disponible

Pharmacological approaches to stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes disabling, slowly progressive breathlessness on exertion, chronic cough and sputum production. Its natural history is punctuated by increasingly frequent exacerbations which in turn accelerate disease progression and reduce a patient's quality of life. COPD has previously been ignored in the mistaken belief that nothing could be done. There are now a number of therapies that can be used to reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations. In turn this reduces disability, improves the patient's health-related quality of life and has the potential to reduce costs to the health service and to society.

Los broncodilatadores, esos fármacos maravillosos / No disponible

No disponible

Cold, cough, allergy, bronchodilator, and antiasthmatic drug products for over-the-counter human use; final monograph for combination drug products. Final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule in the form of a final monograph that establishes conditions under which over-the-counter (OTC) cold, cough, allergy, bronchodilator, and antiasthmatic (cough-cold) combination drug products are generally recognized as safe and effective and not misbranded as part of its ongoing review of OTC drug products. FDA is issuing this final rule after considering public comments on the agency's proposed regulation (tentative final monograph) and new data and information on OTC cough- cold combination drug products that have come to the agency's attention.

Cold, cough, allergy, bronchodilator, and antiasthmatic drug products for over-the-counter human use; partial final rule for combination drug products containing a bronchodilator. Final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule establishing that cough-cold combination drug products containing any oral bronchodilator active ingredient in combination with any analgesic(s) or analgesic-antipyretic(s), anticholinergic, antihistamine, oral antitussive, or stimulant active ingredient are not generally recognized as safe and effective and are misbranded for over-the-counter (OTC) use. FDA is issuing this final rule after receiving no public comments on the agency's proposed nonmonograph status of these specific combination drug products, which was issued in the form of a tentative final monograph for OTC cough-cold combination drug products. This final rule is part of the ongoing review of OTC drug products conducted by FDA.

Empleo de medicamentos para el tratamiento de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) / Use of medicines in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

La autora menciona algunos de los medicamentos utilizados habitualmente para el tratamiento de la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica. describe la acción de los broncodilatadores y sus principales efectos

Empleo de medicamentos para el tratamiento de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) / Use of medicines in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

La autora menciona algunos de los medicamentos utilizados habitualmente para el tratamiento de la Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica. describe la acción de los broncodilatadores y sus principales efectos (AU)