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Short-acting 2-agonists
Bronchodilator
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and
bronchioles, decreasing airway resistance and thereby facilitating
airflow. Bronchodilators may be endogenous (originating naturally
within the body), or they may be medications administered for the
treatment of breathing difficulties. They are most useful in
obstructive lung diseases, of which asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease are the most common conditions. Although this
remains somewhat controversial, they might be useful in
bronchiolitis. They are often prescribed but of unproven significance
in restrictive lung diseases.
Bronchodilators are either short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting
medications provide quick or "rescue" relief from acute
bronchoconstriction. Long-acting bronchodilators help to control
and prevent symptoms. The three types of prescription
bronchodilating drugs are 2-agonists (short- and long-acting),
anticholinergics (short-acting), and theophylline (longacting).Contents [hide] [hide]
1 Short-acting 2-agonists
2 Long-acting 2-agonists
3 Anticholinergics
4 Brand names of common bronchodilators

These are quick-relief or "rescue" medications that provide fast,

temporary relief from asthma symptoms or flare-ups. These
medications usually take effect within 20 minutes or less, and can
last from four to six hours. These inhaled medications are best for
treating sudden and severe or new asthma symptoms. Taken 15 to 20
minutes ahead of time, these medications can also prevent asthma
symptoms triggered by exercise or exposure to cold air. Patients that
regularly or frequently need to take short-acting 2-agonists should
consult their doctor, as such usage indicates uncontrolled asthma,
and their routine medications may need adjustment.
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Long-acting 2-agonists
These are long-term medications taken routinely in order to control
and prevent bronchoconstriction. They are not intended for fast
relief. These medications take longer to begin working, but relieve
airway constriction for up to 12 hours.
Inhaled - Commonly taken twice a day with an anti-inflammatory
medication, they maintain open airways and prevent asthma
symptoms, particularly at night.
Oral - Long-acting albuterol is available in pill or syrup form.
Effective for 12 hours, albuterol is particularly helpful for nighttime
asthma symptoms. Because this medication requires high dosing,
there tend to be increased side-effects. Therefore it is not commonly
prescribed. Side-effects include increased heart rate; hyperactivity;

feeling nervous, shaky, or over-excited; and, very rarely, upset

stomach or difficulty sleeping.
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Anticholinergics
Only available as an inhalant, ipratropium bromide relieves acute or
new asthma symptoms. Because it has no effect on asthma
symptoms when used alone, it is most often paired with a shortacting 2-agonist. While it is considered a relief or rescue
medication, it can take a full hour to begin working. For this reason,
it plays a minor role in asthma treatment. Dry throat is the most
common side-effect. If the medication gets in contact with the eyes,
it may cause blurred vision for a brief time.
Available in oral and injectable form, theophylline is a long-acting
bronchodilator that prevents asthma episodes. It belongs to the
chemical class methyl xanthines (along with caffeine). It is
prescribed in severe cases of asthma or those that are difficult to
control. It must be taken 1-4 times daily, and doses cannot be
missed. Blood tests are required to monitor therapy and to indicate
when dosage adjustment is necessary. Side-effects can include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach or headache, rapid or irregular
heart beat, muscle cramps, nervous or jittery feelings, and
hyperactivity. These symptoms may signal the need for an
adjustment in medication. It may promote acid reflux, also known as
GERD, by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Some
medications, such as seizure and ulcer medications and antibiotics
containing erythromycin, can interfere with the way theopylline

works. Coffee, tea, colas, cigarette-smoking, and viral illnesses can

all affect the action of theophylline and change its effectiveness. A
physician should monitor dosage levels to meet each patient's profile
and needs. [pko[
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Brand names of common bronchodilators
Following the standard convention of medicine, the capitalized
brand name is followed by the lowercased generic name in
parentheses.
Accu-Hale
Maxair (pirbuterol)
Primatene (ephedrine)
Proventil (salbutamol = albuterol)
Serevent (salmeterol)
Ventolin (salbutamol = albuterol)
Xopenex (levosalbutamol = levalbuterol)
Spiropent (clenbuterol)