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Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management

Clinical Capsules - Actionable Medication Pearls in Minutes

Chapters
0:00
Introduction
0:34
CE Information
1:06
Introduction
2:23
COPD vs Asthma: Key Differences
4:05
COPD Treatment Goals
5:13
COPD Medications Overview
5:54
GOLD Guidelines: Initial Treatment (Group A)
7:02
Bronchodilators: Short vs Long-Acting
9:24
Group B: Dual Long-Acting Therapy
10:17
Group E: When to Add ICS / Triple Therapy
11:27
Advanced COPD Therapy & Meds to Avoid
12:43
COPD Practice Pearls (Inhaler Safety)
13:40
Improving COPD Outcomes (Smoking, Vaccines, Adherence)
14:28
Inhaler Technique: Common Mistakes
16:43
Disease-Drug Interactions
17:18
Case Wrap-Up: What Went Wrong
18:04
Conclusion
Clinical Capsules - Actionable Medication Pearls in Minutes
Updated COPD Guidelines: Strategies for Treatment and Management
May 26, 2026 Season 2 Episode 10
TRC Healthcare

Updated COPD guidelines are reshaping how soon patients start daily inhalers—and what therapies make the most sense based on symptoms and risk.

In this episode, TRC Healthcare Associate Editor and Clinical Pharmacist Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP, reviews practical, guideline-based strategies for treating and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Don highlights common factors that increase exacerbation risk and explains how current recommendations aim to better match therapy to patient needs.

He also clarifies key differences between COPD and asthma, walks through the main goals of COPD management, and reviews where short- and long-acting bronchodilators, as well as inhaled corticosteroids, fit into care. The discussion includes when to escalate treatment, common inhaler technique mistakes that limit effectiveness, and non-drug strategies that can help keep patients out of the hospital.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • How updated guidelines approach COPD treatment and escalation
  • When to use short-acting inhalers, dual bronchodilators, or triple therapy
  • Common inhaler technique errors that increase exacerbation risk
  • The role of smoking cessation, vaccinations, and adherence in improving outcomes

This is an excerpt from our February 2026 Pharmacy Essential Updates continuing education webinar series.

🏷️ Use code cc1026 at checkout for 10% off a new or upgraded subscription.

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CE Information:

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