Long-acting inhaled beta 2-agonists for stable COPD.

Objective: To describe the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mechanisms of benefit, formulations available, drug costs, pharmacokinetic profiles, and pertinent clinical studies for long-acting beta(2)-agonists.

Data Sources: A MEDLINE search was conducted from July 1966 through October 2002.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: Pertinent articles related to COPD and long-acting beta(2)-agonists.