PHAR: Asthma

Question 1

Describe the similarities and differences between salmeterol and eformoterol?

Answer 1

Similarities

• Both are LABAs (long acting B2 agonists) → Effects last ~8-12 hrs.

Differences

• Eformoterol has a rapid onset of action (5-10 mins) relative to salmeterol (15-20 mins).
  
  • Eformoterol CAN be used as a reliever, whereas salmeterol can’t be.

Question 2

Symbicort and seretide are two ICS/FABA combinations.

• What does ICS stand for?
• What are their ICS and FABA components?

Answer 2

ICS = inhaled corticosteroid

Symbicort

• Eformoterol + budesonide.

Seretide

• Salmeterol + fluticasone.