Abstract
Inhaled therapy is the key pharmacological management for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent changes in guidelines recommend the use of corticosteroid and long-acting β2-agonist combination inhalers in the stepwise treatment of asthma as well as moderate to severe COPD. Symbicort Turbuhaler® is a budesonide/formoterol combination inhaler and it is used to control exacerbations as well as alleviate symptoms during exacerbations. However, its efficacy is limited by common patient handling errors. DuoResp Spiromax® is an alternative inhaler to Symbicort Turbuhaler® with the same active ingredients and it appears to be easier to use because of simpler handling steps. This may improve patients' inhaler techniques and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Hence, this integrative review aims to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of DuoResp Spiromax® with Symbicort Turbuhaler®. Literature searches were done using electronic databases and by screening reference lists of relevant studies in consultation with a research librarian. Studies comparing DuoResp Spiromax® with Symbicort Turbuhaler® were included. Quality appraisal and data extraction were undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal and data extraction tools. The extracted data was grouped under themes for comparison and discussion. Implications for clinical practice were drawn from the findings.