| 1. What is the duration of bronchodilation of Oxis? |
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Significant improvements in lung function persist for at least 12 hours after administration of a single dose of Oxis 4.5 - 36 µg (references 5,8,9,10) (see figure below).
Oxis provides 12 hours bronchodilation as shown by increases in FEV1 following single doses of Oxis Turbuhaler (4.5, 9, 18 µg) versus salmeterol DiskhalerŪ (50 µg) and placebo (Palmqvist et al., 1997) (reference 8) |
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| 2. What is the duration of bronchoprotection of Oxis? |
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The protective effect of a single dose of Oxis, against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is evident within 15 minutes of administration and lasts for at least 12 hours (see figure below). (reference 30)
Oxis protects for 12 hours against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children aged 6-17 years. The mean maximum % fall in FEV1 is significantly less 4-12 hours after inhalation of Oxis Turbuhaler than after inhalation of terbutaline Turbuhaler (Bricanyl) or placebo. (reference 30) |
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| 3. What is the duration of the systemic effects of Oxis? |
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The systemic effects of formoterol following inhalation or absorption from the gut have a similar time-course to those of short-acting ß2-agonists, (references 11, 12) and a shorter duration than the systemic effects of salmeterol.(reference 13) Alone amongst ß2-agonists, inhaled formoterol (Oxis) is long-acting in the airways, but short-acting systemically (see figure below).
Oxis is long-acting in the airways and short-acting systemically. The duration of the systemic effects of Oxis is similar to that of short-acting ß2-agonists such as terbutaline and salbutamol (schematic representation, based on clinical studies).(references 8, 11, 12,14, 15) Thus Oxis minimises the systemic burden of long-acting ß2-agonist therapy. |
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