Pharmacotherapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The pharmacologic treatment of the reversible elements of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is discussed in this article. Discussion focuses on three classes of bronchodilator drugs--the sympathomimetic agents, the methylxanthines, and the anticholinergic agents. A section on corticosteroid use in patients with chronic airflow limitation is included. An integrated approach to pharmacotherapy is suggested that allows a treatment program to be designed to meet the needs of the individual patient.