Introduction: The global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease guidelines recommend maintenance therapy using long-acting bronchodilators for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have daily symptoms. Arformoterol is the (R, R) - enantiomer of the racemic formoterol and is more potent than (R, R/ S, S) - formoterol.
Areas covered: Currently, arformoterol is one of two nebulized long-acting β-agonists on the market. It has a low incidence of cardiovascular side effects with incidence of arrhythmia and ischemia similar to placebo. β-adrenergic adverse effects are infrequent, numerically lower than formoterol, but have a quicker onset of action than salmeterol. There was no observed clinical tolerance over 12 months. arformoterol is safe in combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids, tiotropium and rescue inhalers. A 12-month Phase IV trial found no increased risk of respiratory death or COPD exacerbation-related hospitalizations. arformoterol can potentially benefit patients with hyperinflation and low inspiratory flow rates.
Expert opinion: The introduction of the centers for medicare and medicaid services penalization for COPD readmissions may boost the appeal of long-acting bronchodilators as new discharge medications. With the advent of ultra long-acting bronchodilators, its potential as a once daily agent in isolation or combination with these new therapies needs further study.
Keywords: arformoterol; bronchodilator; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; long-acting β-agonist.