Drug Therapy
In recent years, with the gradual deepening of the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical research of COPD, the development of new drugs for the treatment of COPD has become possible - Gao Zhen
HWN Suggests
Drug discovery for COPD treatments
In the recent years of research, scientists have started to recognise that COPD is a syndrome with both changes in the respiratory system and systemic co-morbidities, especially in the cardiovascular systems and depression. Current therapies, such as bronchodilators, are generally administered by inhalation to treat the respiratory symptoms, with drugs mainly developed to avoid entering the systemic circulation to prevent unwanted effects. However, future research needs to consider systemic treatments to also address these important co-morbidities. Researchers are looking for new drugs and although there have been a wide range of studies on the disease, treatments remain limited to medications…
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Progress in the mechanism and targeted drug therapy for COPD
The prevalence of COPD has increased over the last decade and the drugs most commonly used to treat it, such as glucocorticoids and bronchodilators, have significant therapeutic effects; however, they also cause side effects, including infection and immunosuppression. Here we reviewed the pathogenesis and progression of COPD and elaborated on the effects and mechanisms of newly developed molecular targeted COPD therapeutic drugs. Among these new drugs, we focussed on thioredoxin (Trx).
Single Inhaler LABA/LAMA for COPD
The cornerstones of treatment are bronchodilator drugs of two different classes: beta agonists and muscarinic antagonists. Currently the Global initiative for COPD suggests the use of long acting beta agonists (LABAs) and long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) in combination for the majority of COPD patients, thus great interest is associated with the developing of LAMA/LABA fixed combination in the maintenance treatment of stable COPD.
Articles of Interest
Drug Therapies for COPD: A Bibliometric Review From 1980 to 2021
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of new pharmacological and surgical tools to treat COPD, while the rates of prevalence and mortality owing to COPD are still noticeable.
Drugs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Apart from oxygen, no drug has been shown to reduce the increased risk of death in patients with COPD. For this reason drugs are prescribed predominantly to reduce symptoms, improve functional capacity, and prevent and treat exacerbations. Drugs are prescribed in a stepwise fashion. Mild symptoms can be managed with an inhaled short-acting beta agonist (SABA), taken when needed either before exercise or for the relief of exertional breathlessness. Patients who need inhalations several times a week are likely to benefit from adding a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or a long-acting beta agonist (LABA).
Key Considerations in COPD When Utilizing Combination Therapy
Multiple studies show that combination treatment with LABAs [long-acting beta-agonists] and LAMAs [long-acting muscarinic antagonists] increase FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 second] and reduces symptoms compared with monotherapy. That isn’t surprising. Generally speaking, combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy. But combination therapy may also reduce exacerbations compared with monotherapy.
Medications for COPD
The most common medicines used for COPD help to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, making it easier for you to breathe.
New COPD Medications
Roflumilast is a selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor used to reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with severe COPD. The starting dose of roflumilast is 250 mcg tablet daily for the first four weeks, then 500 mcg daily. This agent is not a bronchodilator and should not be used for acute treatment. This agent is an add-on...
Treatment and Medications for COPD
There are two basic ways that medicines open up the airways in your lungs: They act as Maintenance (controllers or preventers) or Relievers (rescue or quick relief).
What types of inhalers are available for COPD?
In this article, we explain the different types of inhalers, their possible side effects, and other devices and treatments for people with COPD.
