Improved delivery of ipratropium bromide/fenoterol from Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler in patients with COPD

Respir Med. 2004 May;98(5):387-97. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2003.12.007.

Abstract

We performed a multicentre, randomised, double-blind (within-device), placebo- and active-controlled, parallel-group study to compare the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide plus fenoterol hydrobromide (IB/FEN; Berodual) delivered via the novel, propellant-free Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI) and from a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. After 2-weeks' run-in (CFC-MDI [IB 20 microg/FEN 50 microg per actuation] two actuations q.i.d. [MDI 40/100]), 892 patients were randomised to Respimat SMI containing IB 10 microg/FEN 25 microg (Respimat SMI 10/25), IB 20 microg/FEN 50 microg (Respimat SMI 20/50) or placebo (one actuation q.i.d.), or a CFC-MDI containing IB 20 microg/FEN 50 microg (MDI 40/100) or placebo (two actuations q.i.d.) for 12 weeks. Analysis of the primary endpoint (change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] in the first 60 min after dosing [area under the curve; AUC0-1h]) on day 85 showed that the efficacy of Respimat SMI 20/50 (but not Respimat SMI 10/25) was not inferior to that of MDI 40/100. The safety profile of Respimat SMI was comparable to CFC-MDI. Switching from MDI 40/100 to Respimat SMI was well tolerated. Respimat SMI enables a 50% reduction of the nominal inhaled dose of IB/FEN in COPD patients while offering similar therapeutic efficacy and safety to the CFC-MDI.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Equipment Design
  • Fenoterol / administration & dosage*
  • Forced Expiratory Volume / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Ipratropium / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers / standards
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / drug effects
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vital Capacity / drug effects

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Fenoterol
  • Ipratropium