Combination Therapy: Its Role in Asthma

Experience with long-acting beta agonists (LABAs, or ‘symptom controllers’) over the last 10 years indicates that these drugs are potent and effective bronchodilators, capable of improving asthma control in those with moderate to severe disease.

They are optimally used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), these two classes thereby providing a dual anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator action.

Combination therapy with these agents is most appropriate in patients with moderate to severe asthma who remain symptomatic on ICS therapy, requiring frequent symptom relief with short-acting beta agonists.

This publication is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ann Woolcock AO.

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Disclaimer

Combination Therapy: its use in asthma management has been compiled by the National Asthma Council for use by general practitioners, pharmacists, other health professionals and healthcare students (e.g. medicine, pharmacy, nursing etc.). The information and treatment protocols contained in this document are based on current medical knowledge and practice as at the date of publication. They are intended as a general guide only and are not intended to avoid the necessity for the individual examination and assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council and its employees accept no responsibility for the contents of the Combination Therapy paper or for any consequences of treating asthma according to the guidelines therein.

Copyright © National Asthma Council Australia Ltd. 2002.

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