Additive Effects of Salmeterol and Fluticasone or Theophylline in COPD

ss(2)-Agonists and corticosteroids or theophylline can interact to produce beneficial effects on airway function in asthma, but this has not been established in COPD.Eighty patients with well-controlled COPD were randomized to receive 3 months of treatment in one of four treatment groups: (1) salmeterol, 50 microg bid; (2) salmeterol, 50 microg, plus fluticasone propionate, 250 microg bid; (3) salmeterol, 50 microg, plus fluticasone propionate, 500 microg bid; and (4) salmeterol, 50 microg, plus titrated theophylline bid. At each visit, a dose-response curve to inhaled salbutamol was constructed using a total cumulative dose of 800 microg.A gradual increase in FEV(1) was observed with each …