Transdermal tulobuterol patch, a long-actingβ(2)-agonist.

Abstract

Tulobuterol patch (HokunalinTM Tape), which contains a β(2)-adrenergic agonist, is the first bronchodilator to be available as a transdermal patch. This drug delivery system ensures that the time at which the peak drug concentration in the blood is reached coincides with the morning dip in respiratory function. The use of the patch also prevents excessive increase in blood drug concentrations, thereby reducing the incidence of systemic adverse reactions. Since 1998, when it was first approved in Japan and worldwide, the tulobuterol patch has been used widely in the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evidence collected since it was approved has confirmed its clinical efficacy and safety. Because the patch is easy to use and requires only once-daily application, treatment adherence of patients using the patch is good. In this article, we discuss the rationale behind the development of the tulobuterol patch, evaluate data on its clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of asthma and COPD, and examine the treatment adherence in individuals using the patch.

• Authors: Gen Tamura, Masakazu Ichinose, Yoshinosuke Fukuchi, Terumasa Miyamoto
• Journal: Allergology international : official journal of the Japanese Society of Allergology (Allergol Int) Vol. 61 Issue 2 Pg. 219-29 (Jun 2012) ISSN: 1440-1592 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22270072 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic beta-Agonists
• Bronchodilator Agents
• tulobuterol
• Terbutaline

Topics

• Adrenergic beta-Agonists (administration & dosage)
• Asthma (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Bronchodilator Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Approval
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Humans
• Patient Compliance
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Terbutaline (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Transdermal Patch