Long-acting β₂-agonists (LABA) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: efficacy and safety

Review

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Authors: Andrea Rossi, Sonia Khirani, Mario Cazzola

Published Date July 2008 Volume 2008:3(4) Pages 521 - 529

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S1353

Andrea Rossi¹, Sonia Khirani¹, Mario Cazzola²

¹Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Hospital of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy; ²Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, Rome, Italy

Abstract: COPD is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction which does not fully reverse to inhaled or oral pharmacotherapy. The management of patients with COPD has taken a totally new direction over the past 20 years, thank to the use of novel therapies aimed to improve and modify the natural history of COPD. Long-acting bronchodilators, including long-acting β₂-agonists (LABAs), were introduced several years ago in order to enhance improvements in lung function, health status related quality of life, and reduce the rate of exacerbations. These effects can be boosted by the combination of LABAs with long-acting anticholinergic, and/or with inhaled corticosteroids. Inhaled LABAs are commonly well tolerated although adverse effects such as tremor and palpitations are occasionally troublesome.

Keywords: LABA, COPD, efficacy, safety