Treatment have been advised for acute exacerbation of COPD, which are either anti-cholinergics ( e.g. Tiotropium) or beta-agonist (e.g Salmeterol) both long acting. It had not been advised which was the preferred drug. Multiple hospitals participated in research as to which of the above drug was better in terms of alleviation of symptoms and reduction of the risk of acute exacerbation of COAD. The results of the research shows that Tiotropium has better effects than Salmeterol .
7376 patiens were assigned, out of which 3707 patients were on Tiotropium and 3669 patients were on salmeterol. Tiotropium reduced the risk by 17% as compared to Salmeterol. Incidence of adverse effect and events leading to discontinuation of the drug was the same in both the drugs. There were 64 deaths in Tiotropium group and 78 deats in salmeterol group. For further reading please consult new England journal of medicine.
