BETA-2 AGONISTS

Beta 2 Agonists are bronchodilators.  They relax smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes allowing air to move more freely. There are many of these preparations available and they all work in a similar fashion. These are the medications of choice to treat and control acute asthma symptoms and are often taken in conjunction with other medications, particularly inhaled corticosteroids.  They are available as short-acting medications as well as more long-acting ones.  In general, these medications are well tolerated and are very effective.

Common Beta 2 Agonists:

Alupent- metaproterenol
Maxair- pirbuterol acetate
Proventil MDI- albuterol
Proventil HFA- albuterol

ProAir HFA- albuterol

Ventolin HFA- albuterol
Serevent (long acting)- salmeterol
Foradil (long acting)- formoterol

Ventolin- albuterol
Volmax- albuterol
Combivent- albuterol and ipratropium bromide

Drug Action
Beta 2 drugs relax bronchial smooth muscles but can also stimulate the heart muscle and keletal muscles.

Side Effects
These medications are well tolerated by most people and the side effects decrease with time. The inhaled form is the most effective and causes the least side effects. The most common side effects are fast heartbeat, tremors, nervousness and difficulty sleeping.  Most of these side effects are temporary and resolve once the medication is stopped.

Available Forms
The preferred form of administration of a beta agonists is by inhalation.  Tablets and elixirs are available.  The inhaled beta agonist may be given by nebulization, metered dose inhalers, or inhaled powered forms.  Careful understanding of the correct techniques of inhalation is very important. The short-acting medications begin to work in minutes and last 4 to 6 hours.

Additional comments

The longer acting medication (Salmeterol) does not have a rapid onset of action.  Formoterol can act quickly but is not intended to be used as a rescue medication.  These medications should be taken in combination with a inhaled corticosteroid and should not be taken alone.  Both medication will last up to 12 hours but should not be used for acute bronchospasm or wheezing.  Formoterol and short-acting beta agonists can be used to prevent exercised induced asthma.  Specific use of these medications should be directed by the physician.