Trial to compare the administration technique for HandiHaler® vs. MDI, to compare the learning retention of the administration technique for the HandiHaler® vs. MDI and to compare the ease of use for HandiHaler® vs. MDI

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and must meet the following spirometric criteria:

  • Historical data (not older than 6 months) of stable airway obstruction with an forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) ≤ 80% of predicted normal and FEV1 ≤ 70% of forced vital capacity (FVC)

• Male or female patients with 40 years of age or older

• Smokers or ex-smokers with a smoking history of more than 10 pack-years

• Currently using a prescription bronchodilator (such as Atrovent®, Berodual®, Combivent®, salbutamol, etc.) administered at least once daily

• Able to read and understand written instructions, understand verbal instructions and fill out written questionnaires regarding the devices

• Able to give informed consent prior to participation in the trial, including discontinuation of any medications, sign an approved consent form, and be willing and able to complete all trial procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any acute or chronic illness which could interfere with the conduct of completion of the trial, including but not limited to cardiovascular, renal, neurologic, liver, immunologic, or endocrine dysfunction if clinically significant
• Current or recent (past 2 years) history of drug or alcohol abuse
• Participation in any other clinical trial or use if any investigational drug within the last 30 days prior to visit 1
• Experience with the HandiHaler®
• Discontinued use of regularly prescribed use of MDI within the last 12 months.
• Treatment with any oral or injectable β-blockers within the recent 4 weeks prior to visit 1
• Treatment with oral β-adrenergics within the recent 4 weeks prior to visit 1
• Current or recent (last 6 weeks prior to visit 1) respiratory illness including, but not limited to upper or lower respiratory tract infections or asthma
• Patients who are in a pulmonary rehabilitation program or who had completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program in the 6 weeks prior to visit 1
• Patients with known hypersensitivity to ipratropium bromide, lactose or any other components of the inhalation capsule delivery system
• Patients with known sensitivity to inhaled β-agonists
• Patient using oral corticosteroid medication at unstable doses (i.e., less than 6 weeks on a stable dose) or at doses in excess of the equivalent of 10 mg of prednisolone per day or 20 mg every other day
• Pregnant or nursing women or women of childbearing potential not using medically approved means of contraception