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Drug Evaluations

Evaluation of salmeterol xinafoate plus fluticasone propionate for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

, MD RRT FAARC, , RTS & , RTS
Pages 1993-2002 | Published online: 31 Jul 2013
 

Abstract

Introduction: Current clinical guidelines recommend long-acting bronchodilators as the mainstay of the pharmacotherapy of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), in conjunction with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), are routinely considered at severe and very severe stages of COPD when patients lack adequate response to single-therapy with LABAs. Although the study methodologies evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the combination therapy using salmeterol and fluticasone (SAL/FLU) for patients with COPD have been questioned, a number of studies have suggested that using ICS, in combination with a LABA agent, may improve survival of patients with COPD.

Areas covered: This article attempts to review the most current evidence for using SAL/FLU in the management of COPD and summarizes the results of outcome measures reported in randomized controlled trials.

Expert opinion: Until new forms of drug combinations are made available, the use of dual-therapy containing a LABA and ICS remain as the most logical and appropriate approach for the treatment of patients suffering from severe and very severe COPD with repeated exacerbations.

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