Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system characterized by coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, airflow obstruction and spasm of the bronchial muscles. While some attacks may be mild, severe asthma attacks may be life-threatening and can possibly lead to death. There is no cure for asthma, but symptoms can be controlled and prevented by short-acting rescue inhalers and long-acting maintenance medications, many of which are beta2-adrenergic agonists.
Short-Acting Beta Agonists
Short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists are used for the quick relief of asthma symptoms. These medications are commonly dosed every four to six hours as needed for symptom relief and are available as inhalers or nebulizer solutions. Medications within this drug class include albuterol, albuterol sulfate inhaled solution, levalbuterol and pirbuterol.
Long-Acting Beta Agonists
Long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists are maintenance medications used for the prevention of asthma-related symptoms. They are dosed once or twice a day and are available as tablets or inhalers. These medications are associated with an increased risk of worsening bronchospasm in some people. Use of a long-acting beta agonist without the use of a long-term asthma control medication, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, is contraindicated for the treatment of asthma. Long-acting beta agonists include albuterol sulfate, formoterol and salmeterol.
Combination Inhalers
Beta2-adrenergic agonists may be combined with corticosteroids for use as maintenance medications in the prevention of asthma. They are dosed twice a day and are available as inhalers. After each use, it is important to rinse your mouth out in order to prevent the development of thrush, or oral yeast infection. Medications within this drug class include budesonide and formoterol, and fluticasone and salmeterol.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Asthma
- MedlinePlus: Asthma
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: AAAAI Allergy and Asthma Drug Guide
- FDA: FDA Drug Safety Communication--Drug Labels Now Contain Updated Recommendations on the Appropriate Use of Long-Acting Inhaled Asthma Medications Called Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs)
