Transdermal Tulobuterol Patch, a Long-Acting β2-Agonist

ABSTRACT Tulobuterol patch(Hokunalin™ Tape), which contains a β 2 - adrenergic agonist, is the first bronchodilatorto be available as a transdermal patch. This drug delivery system ensures that the time at which the peak drug concentration in the blood is reached coincides with the morning dip in respiratory function. The use of the patchalso prevents excessive increase in blood drug concentrations, thereby reducing the incidence of systemic adverse reactions. Since 1998, when it was first approved in Japan and worldwide, the tulobuterol patchhas been used widely in the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evidence collected since it was approved has confirmed its clinical efficacy and safety. Because the patchis easy to use and requires only once-daily application, treatment adherence of patients using the patchis good. In this article, we discuss the rationale behind the development of the tulobuterol patch, evaluate data on its clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of asthma and COPD, and examine the treatment adherence in individuals using the patch.