Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate (50/100 μg) in combination in a Diskus™ inhaler (Seretide™) is effective and safe in children with asthma

• Published in: Pediatric pulmonology Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 97 - 105
• Main Authors: Van den Berg, N.J., Ossip, M.S., Hederos, C.A., Anttila, H., Ribeiro, B.L., Davies, P.I.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.08.2000; Wiley-Liss
• Subjects: Administration, Inhalation; Albuterol - administration & dosage; Albuterol - adverse effects; Albuterol - analogs & derivatives; Albuterol - pharmacology; Androstadienes - administration & dosage; Androstadienes - adverse effects; Androstadienes - pharmacology; Anti-Asthmatic Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Asthmatic Agents - adverse effects; Anti-Asthmatic Agents - pharmacology; asthma; Asthma - drug therapy; Asthma - pathology; Biological and medical sciences; Bronchodilator Agents - administration & dosage; Bronchodilator Agents - adverse effects; Bronchodilator Agents - pharmacology; Child; Child, Preschool; children; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; dry powder inhaler; Female; Fluticasone; fluticasone propionate; Humans; inhaled corticosteroids; Male; Medical sciences; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; randomized clinical trial; Respiratory system; salmeterol; Salmeterol Xinafoate; Treatment Outcome; Human; Corticosteroid; Agonist; Respiratory disease; Toxicity; Bronchodilator; Treatment efficiency; Antiinflammatory agent; Salmeterol; β2-Adrenergic receptor; β-Adrenergic receptor agonist; Exploration; Fluticasone; Antiasthma agent; Hydrocortisone; Asthma; Symptomatology; Chemotherapy; Lung function; Treatment; Combined treatment; Obstructive pulmonary disease; Child
• ISSN: 8755-6863; 1099-0496
• DOI: 10.1002/1099-0496(200008)30:2<97::AID-PPUL4>3.0.CO;2-P

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety in children of salmeterol (50 μg twice daily) plus fluticasone propionate (100 μg twice daily) when delivered together via a single Diskus™ inhaler (Seretide™; combination therapy) or concurrently using two separate Diskus™ inhalers (concurrent therapy). In a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel‐group study, 257 children with reversible airways obstruction who remained symptomatic on inhaled corticosteroids (200–500 μg daily) alone were randomized to combination or concurrent therapy for 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by measuring daily peak expiratory flow (PEF), symptom scores, and rescue salbutamol use. In addition, lung function tests were performed at each clinic visit. Safety assessments included monitoring of adverse events and morning serum cortisol concentrations. The primary efficacy parameter (mean morning PEF) increased during treatment in both groups; adjusted mean changes were 33 and 28 L/min for the combination and concurrent therapies, respectively. The 90% confidence interval for the difference in mean morning PEF between treatment groups was within the +15 L/min criterion for clinical equivalence. Similarly, there were improvements in pulmonary function, symptom score, and rescue salbutamol use during treatment in both groups, with no significant differences between the combination and concurrent therapy groups for any of these secondary efficacy parameters. Both treatment regimens were well‐tolerated and had comparable adverse event profiles. Mean morning serum cortisol levels increased similarly in both groups during the study. In conclusion, salmeterol and fluticasone propionate therapy given as a new combination product is as safe and effective in children with asthma as the same drugs given concurrently via separate inhalers. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2000; 30:97–105. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.