which long-acting bronchodilator to use first-line for COPD

August 2011

You'll hear debate over which long-acting bronchodilator to use first-line for COPD.

Guidelines suggest either tiotropium (Spiriva) or a long-acting beta-agonist (salmeterol, formoterol) for persistent symptoms.

Both types of bronchodilators improve COPD symptoms...but tiotropium seems to work better to prevent exacerbations.

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Table of Contents

Cardiology Canadian antiplatelet guidelines recommend AGAINST using aspirin routinely for primary prevention
Statins if statins increase the risk of diabetes
Respiratory & Allergy which long-acting bronchodilator to use first-line for COPD
Nephrology Renvela brings up questions about how to choose a phosphate binder for patients with chronic kidney disease
Men's Health Men are asking if they should continue taking finasteride (Proscar, etc) or dutasteride (Avodart)
Men's Health Drug interactions continue to be a source of problems with phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors
Psychiatry New guidelines for post-traumatic stress disorder
Infectious Diseases when to use TOPICAL antifungals for oral candidiasis
Infectious Diseases You wouldn't think IV dexamethasone would be a good idea for a patient hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
Cystitis whether Cystoplus (sodium citrate) is effective for pain from bladder infections
Vitamins & Minerals Is it ever necessary to give vitamin B12 by injection
Smoking Cessation new warnings concerning Champix and an increased risk of cardiac events in patients with heart disease