| 1. Is the onset of effect of Symbicort as fast as of a short-acting ß2-agonist? |
Yes. Symbicort improves lung function within one minute. In a
direct comparison, the onset of effect of formoterol (the
bronchodilator component of Symbicort) was found to be as rapid
as that of salbutamol (Seberová et al, 2000).
Formoterol: onset of effect similar to salbutamol
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| 2. Does Symbicort have a faster onset of effect than Seretide? |
Yes, Symbicort has a faster onset of effect than Seretide.
Formoterol - the bronchodilator component of Symbicort - has a rapid
onset of effect comparable to traditional relievers such as salbutamol.
The faster onset of effect of Symbicort compared to Seretide was
confirmed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving
30 patients with asthma and reversible airflow obstruction (mean
forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] 78% of predicted normal,
mean reversibility after 500 µg salbutamol 19%, Palmqvist et al, 2001)
in which the onset of effect was measured by FEV1 at 3 minutes and
average FEV1 from 0-15 minutes:
Symbicort has a faster onset of effect than Seretide
The rapid onset of effect of formoterol means that patients feel the
benefit of Symbicort almost immediately. This may help to increase
patients' adherence to their prescribed treatment, which ensures that
patients receive the regular dose of inhaled steroid necessary to
control the underlying inflammation in asthma.
Palmqvist study summary
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