formoterol + salmeterol

Formoterol + salmeterol is a combination of two long-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists (LABAs) used primarily for respiratory conditions. Both medications work as bronchodilators that help open air passages in the lungs, making breathing easier. This combination has been studied primarily for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where research indicates it may be more effective than either agent alone. For asthma, both medications are used to control symptoms, though they must be used with inhaled corticosteroids and never as monotherapy. A study using a mouse model of COPD found that combined salmeterol and formoterol treatment was more effective than either single agent alone, showing improvements in functional residual capacity, inspiratory resistance, reduction of inflammation, decreased thickening of smooth muscle, reduced goblet cell hyperplasia, and improved pulmonary small vessel obstruction.