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Budesonide + Salmeterol + Azithromycin
This combination reduces airway inflammation via corticosteroid and macrolide action while improving bronchodilation through beta-2 agonist stimulation.
This combination reduces airway inflammation via corticosteroid and macrolide action while improving bronchodilation through beta-2 agonist stimulation. Used for Asthma with persistent airway inflammation, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with bacterial colonization.
At a glance
| Generic name | Budesonide + Salmeterol + Azithromycin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) |
| Drug class | Combination therapy: inhaled corticosteroid + long-acting beta-2 agonist + macrolide antibiotic |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor (budesonide); beta-2 adrenergic receptor (salmeterol); bacterial protein synthesis inhibition (azithromycin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory / Pulmonology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid that suppresses airway inflammation by binding glucocorticoid receptors. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and improves airflow. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce mucus production and bacterial colonization in chronic airway disease.
Approved indications
- Asthma with persistent airway inflammation
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with bacterial colonization
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Headache
- Oral candidiasis
- Palpitations
- Gastrointestinal upset (azithromycin)
- QT prolongation risk (azithromycin)
Key clinical trials
- Asthma Research in Children and Adolescents
- Personalized Treatment Algorithms for Difficult-to-treat Asthma (PHASE2)
- Childhood Asthma Research and Education (CARE) Network Trial - Montelukast or Azithromycin for Reduction of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Childhood Asthma (MARS) (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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