COPD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the age-adjusted mortality for this disease has risen significantly over the past 30 years. Current pharmacological treatments do not effectively address the inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms that are critical in the development of this disease. Thus, despite therapy, patients typically experience a continued deterioration of their clinical status. Markers of oxidative stress are increased in the lungs of COPD patients and epidemiologic and animal studies indicate that antioxidants can protect the lungs from the damaging effects of cigarette smoke. To date, however, clinical trials of antioxidants for COPD have yielded disappointing results. This review discusses the pharmokinetic factors that limit the use of exogenous antioxidants as a treatment for this disease. In addition, it addresses strategies to overcome these limitations so that the beneficial properties of antioxidants can be translated into effective therapies for COPD patients.