From the Guidelines
Asthmanex (mometasone furoate) is a recommended inhaled corticosteroid for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children, as it reduces inflammation in the airways and prevents asthma symptoms. The typical adult dose ranges from 220 to 440 mcg once or twice daily, depending on asthma severity and previous medication use 1. For children 4-11 years old, the recommended dose is usually 110 mcg once daily in the evening. Asthmanex should be used regularly as prescribed, even when feeling well, as it's not intended for quick relief of sudden symptoms. After inhalation, rinsing the mouth with water without swallowing can help prevent oral thrush. Improvement may begin within 24 hours, but maximum benefit typically takes 1-2 weeks of regular use. Unlike rescue inhalers, Asthmanex doesn't provide immediate relief during an asthma attack, so a rescue medication should always be available.
Some key points to consider when using Asthmanex include:
- Inhaled corticosteroids, such as Asthmanex, are the most potent and consistently effective long-term control medication for asthma 1
- They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, which helps prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness
- The medication should be used regularly as prescribed, even when feeling well, to maintain control of asthma symptoms
- A rescue medication, such as a short-acting beta2 agonist, should always be available in case of an asthma attack
It's also important to note that:
- Increasing the use of short-acting beta2 agonists or using them more than two days per week for symptom relief generally indicates inadequate control of asthma and the need to initiate or intensify anti-inflammatory therapy 1
- Long-acting beta2 agonists are not recommended for use as monotherapy for long-term control of persistent asthma, but can be used as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroid therapy 1
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists are an alternative, although not preferred, treatment option for mild persistent asthma, and can also be used as an adjunctive therapy with inhaled corticosteroids 1
From the Research
Asthmanex Overview
- Asthmanex is not directly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the studies discuss the use of combination therapies, such as budesonide/formoterol, for the treatment of asthma 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Budesonide/formoterol is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) that has been shown to be effective in reducing asthma exacerbations and improving daily symptom control 2, 3.
Combination Therapy for Asthma
- The use of combination therapy, such as ICS/LABA, is recommended for the treatment of persistent asthma 2, 3, 6, 4.
- Combination therapy has been shown to improve patient compliance, reduce the complexity of treatment, and decrease morbidity associated with asthma 3.
- Budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler has been found to be effective as both a maintenance and reliever therapy for adults and children with asthma 3.
Guidelines for Asthma Treatment
- The 2020 Asthma Guideline Update from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program recommends the use of formoterol in combination with an ICS in a single inhaler as the preferred therapy for moderate persistent asthma 6.
- The guidelines also recommend the use of add-on long-acting muscarinic antagonists for individuals whose asthma is not controlled by ICS-formoterol therapy 6.
Safety and Efficacy of Formoterol
- Formoterol has been shown to be safe and effective as adjunct controller therapy for moderate and severe persistent asthma, and as monotherapy for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) 5.
- Formoterol has a rapid onset of action and a long duration of effect, making it a useful treatment option for asthma symptoms 5.