Abstract
Exacerbations are a hallmark feature of COPD and contribute to morbidity and mortality. There is general agreement that the pharmacotherapy of COPD exacerbations includes bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Strong evidence exists for the benefit of corticosteroids for exacerbations and of antibiotics in the acute hospital setting. There remains considerable uncertainty, however, in the best drug selection, dose, route, and duration of treatment. This article reviews the evidence base and expert recommendations for drug treatment of COPD exacerbations in the out-patient and in-patient settings.
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Robert A Wise MD, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore MD 21224. E-mail: rwise{at}jhmi.edu.
Dr Wise discloses relationships with AstraZeneca, Circassia, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Spiration, Teva, and Pulmonx. Dr Putcha has disclosed no conflicts of interest.
Dr Wise presented a version of this paper at the 56th Respiratory Care Journal Conference, Respiratory Medications for COPD and Adult Asthma: Pharmacologic Actions to Clinical Applications, held June 22–23, 2017, in St Petersburg, Florida.
↵* Michael T Newhouse MD, invited discussant. Dr Newhouse is chief medical officer for InspiRx.
- Copyright © 2018 by Daedalus Enterprises