[Salmeterol improves control in asthmatic patients treated in general practice. A comparative study of salmeterol (Serevent) and salbutamol (Ventoline) in patients with mild to moderate asthma]

Abstract

This randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, cross-over study was conducted at 29 general practitioners' offices. Ninety-two patients with stable asthma were randomised to treatment with either Salmeterol 50 micrograms (b.i.d.) or Salbutamol 400 micrograms (q.i.d.). After four weeks treatment the patients continued another four weeks with the alternative treatment. During the study period the patients were allowed to use Salbutamol on a prn. basis. Inhaled steroids, if any, were continued. On diary cards patients recorded peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) morning and evening before medication, asthma symptomscore, and use of additional doses of prn. beta 2-agonist. After the end of the last treatment period patients were asked which period they had preferred. Judged from all effect parameters, Salmeterol gave a better asthma control than Salbutamol. All improvements -except evening peak-flow and daily use of prn. salbutamol -were statistically significant. Most patients preferred Salmeterol treatment. Finally, the effect of Salmeterol was independent of any concurrent inhaled steroid treatment.