Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DUO MEDIHALER versus HICON.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DUO MEDIHALER versus HICON.
DUO-MEDIHALER vs HICON
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Combination of fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity, and salmeterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by stimulating intracellular adenyl cyclase, increasing cyclic AMP levels.
Unknown; possibly involves modulation of hypothalamic thermoregulatory center.
Two inhalations (50 mcg ipratropium bromide and 100 mcg fenoterol hydrobromide per inhalation) four times daily via metered-dose inhaler.
HICON (norepinephrine) 0.05-0.5 mcg/kg/min IV continuous infusion, titrated to blood pressure.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life of 3-4 hours for the bronchodilator component and 6-8 hours for the corticosteroid component; clinically requires twice-daily dosing.
Terminal half-life: 12-18 hours; prolonged to 24-36 hours in renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)
Renal: 70-80% (free drug and metabolites), Biliary/Fecal: 10-20%
Renal: 70% as unchanged drug; biliary/fecal: 25% as metabolites; 5% other
Category C
Category C
Anticholinergic/Beta2-Agonist Combination
Anticholinergic