Long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists for asthma and COPDLangwirksame β2-Sympathikomimetika in der Behandlung von Asthma bronchiale und COPD

□ The introduction of long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists such as salmeterol and formoterol has opened new perspectives for the treatment of asthma and, possibly, also COPD. These drugs are particularly useful in bronchial asthma and meet the requirements of several treatment guidelines to combine long-acting bronchodilator therapy with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with persistent asthma. The role of long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists for management of COPD is less clear. While effects on lung function will be small, parameters of improved quality of life and exercise tolerance may verify the clinical role of long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists for COPD treatment in the future.