Current trends in the treatment of asthma: focus on the simultaneous administration of salmeterol/fluticasone

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Authors: Robyn Teply, Jennifer Campbell, Daniel Hilleman

Published Date March 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 1 - 8

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S6356

Robyn Teply¹, Jennifer Campbell², Daniel Hilleman¹

¹Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Omaha, NE, USA; ²Creighton Cardiac Center, Omaha, NE, USA

Abstract: Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that affects over 20 million people in the United States. It is a complex disease that involves airway infiltration by different types of cells and cell mediators causing chronic inflammation of the airway as well as hyper-responsiveness and edema. Management of asthma symptoms often requires combination therapy with multiple medications. Long-acting beta-2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids have become key medications in the prevention of asthma exacerbations. The bronchodilatory effects of the beta-2 agonists coupled with the anti-inflammatory action of the corticosteroids combat the multifactorial causes of asthma. The combination inhaler containing salmeterol and fluticasone is one such product that has been proven safe and effective for asthma therapy.

Keywords: asthma, fluticasone, salmeterol, beta-2 agonist, inhaled corticosteroid

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