Therapy pattern of bronchodilators in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with acute exacerbations

Background: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worsening condition of acute respiratory symptoms caused by microbial infection, increased air pollution, and fatigue. Objective: This study determines the pattern of bronchodilators in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. Method: This study was observational, using the health medical records of patients with COPD at the Universitas Airlangga Hospital, Surabaya. It was conducted between January-December 2019 on male patients who received bronchodilator therapy until discharge and were from age 40 and older. Result: A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly used bronchodilator therapy for inpatients was the combination of ipratropium bromide/salbutamol sulfate 0.5 mg/2.5 mg through inhalation in 63.64%. The most frequently used bronchodilator for discharge was salbutamol sulfate 2-4 mg orally in 87.50%. Conclusion: Therapy for acute exacerbation of COPD using a combination of ipratropium bromide/salbutamol sulfate as a preventive therapy is in line with the GOLD guidelines.