Tiotropium administered by a pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) and spacer produces a similar bronchodilator response as that administered by a Rotahaler in adult subjects with stable moderate-to-severe COPD.

Background: Tiotropium is a new long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator, which is recommended as first-line therapy in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is currently available in the form of a dry powder inhaler worldwide. Some COPD patients find it difficult to generate inspiratory flow rates of up to 40 l/min, which is required for the drug to reach the airways.

Comparison of bronchodilator responses of levosalbutamol and salbutamol given via a pressurized metered dose inhaler: a randomized, double blind, single-dose, crossover study.

Background: Salbutamol, the most widely used short-acting beta(2)-agonist, consists of a racemic mixture of equal amounts of two enantiomers, (R)-salbutamol and (S)-salbutamol. The bronchodilator effects of salbutamol are attributed entirely to (R)-salbutamol (levosalbutamol), while (S)-salbutamol has been shown to possess bronchospastic and pro-inflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo studies. Levosalbutamol, the (R)-enantiomer of salbutamol is currently available only in a liquid formulation for use via a nebulizer.