Delivery devices for asthma are equally effective
A patient’s ability to use a device properly needs to be taken
into account |
Devices used to deliver inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators can be equally effective, according to the authors of new US evidence-based guidelines. They therefore recommend that other factors be taken into account when selecting a delivery device.
On behalf of the American College of Chest Physicians and the American
College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, US and Canadian researchers
looked at the efficacy and adverse effects associated with treatments
delivered via nebulisers, pressurised metered-dose inhalers (with and
without spacer devices) and dry powder inhalers. Only data from randomised
controlled trials comparing the same drug delivered using different
devices were included.
The researchers found no differences between devices in terms of how
well treatment worked, and say that the relative effectiveness of delivery
methods “does not provide a clear basis for selecting one device
over another”. Adverse effects were minimal and related to increasing
doses rather than how the drug was delivered. However, the researchers
point out that this does not mean that the device choice for a specific
patient does not matter.
They suggest that device/drug availability, clinical setting, patient
age and the patient’s ability to use the selected device correctly
all need to be taken into account. Furthermore, they recommend that where
possible patients are prescribed the same type of device for all inhaled
drugs to reduce the chance of confusion resulting from devices that require
different techniques (Chest 2005;127:335). |
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Pharmaceutical Journal
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