new guidelines for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
February 1999
Canadian experts just released new guidelines for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
They recommend an inhaled anticholinergic (ipratropium) for initial therapy...along with a short-acting beta-agonist (salbutamol, fenoterol).
A long-acting beta-agonist (salmeterol, formoterol) is recommended for patients who require substantial amounts of short-acting beta-agonists...or for patients who have prominent symptoms at night or early in the morning.
Get concise advice on drug therapy, plus unlimited access to CE
Pharmacist's Letter Canada includes:
- 12 issues every year, with brief articles about new meds and hot topics
- 200+ CE courses, including the popular CE-in-the-Letter
- Quick reference drug comparison charts
- Access to the entire archive