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Figure 1. Fine-particle distribution of BDP and formoterol in the combination. BDP and formoterol delivered as a fixed combination exhibit a similar fine-particle distribution on the ACI stages, suggesting a codeposition of the drugs in lung areas that could be associated with enhanced synergy between the two components. ACI: Andersen Cascade Impactor; BDP: Beclomethasone.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Figure 2. Fine and coarse fractions with two formulations. The extrafine formulation of BDP/F (nominal dose BDP 100 µg) yields a fine-particle dose of 34.5 µg, similar to the 45-µg fine-particle dose found for a nominal dose of 250 µg non-extrafine CFC suspension formulation, with a lower emitted dose (86.4 and 214 µg, respectively). BDP: Beclomethasone; CFC: Chlorofluorocabon; F: Formoterol; MMAD: Mass median aerodynamic diameter.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Figure 3. Changes in symptoms score with two combinations. (A) Diurnal and (B) nocturnal symptoms score in the two groups. Scores ranged from 0 (no symptoms) to 5 (severe symptoms). * p < 0.001 versus baseline. [double dagger] Not significant between treatments. BDP: Beclomethasone; BUD: Budeosoride; F: Formoterol.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Figure 4. Changes in symptoms score with two combinations. (A) Diurnal and(B) nocturnal symptoms score in the two groups. Scores ranged from 0 (no symptoms) to 5 (severe symptoms). * p < 0.001 versus baseline. [double dagger] Not significant between treatments. BDP: Beclomethasone; F: Formoterol.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Figure 5. Changes in FVC with two combinations. Change from baseline in FVC (l), measured at clinics, in the two groups. * p < 0.001 versus baseline. [double dagger] p = 0.040 between treatments. BDP: Beclomethasone; F: Formoterol; FVC: Forced vital capacity.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β2 -agonists (LABAs) is the mainstay of treatment for moderate-to-severe asthma [1]. This treatment approach has been proven to be effective in asthma patients not adequately controlled by ICS therapy alone, and several studies have confirmed the greater efficacy of combination therapy in comparison with ICS alone, also at higher doses [2]. To date, two ICS/LABA fixed-combination inhalers have been extensively studied in large groups of asthmatic patients: salmeterol/fluticasone and formoterol/budesonide. The pharmacologic profiles of these combinations are well reported [3,4]. Although both combinations have...