ABSTRACT
Bronchodilators are first-line therapy for symptomatic relief in the management of stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [1,2]. Three classes of bronchodilators are available and are reviewed in detail in other chapters in this volume: β-adrenoceptor agonists (Chapters 3, 4), anticholinergics (Chapters 5,6) and phosphodiesterase inhibitors/theophylline (Chapters 7, 8). There are several theoretical and practical reasons to combine bronchodilators in the routine management of COPD patients. The use of combinations, however, raises a number of practical issues with which the clinician must deal. Oftentimes the available clinical data upon which the clinician must base therapeutic decisions are limited. Nevertheless, available information suggests that combination therapy can be of significant benefit to patients with COPD.
