A bronchodilator is a medication that opens the airways in the lungs and allows for easier breathing. They work by relaxing the small muscles that line airways, allowing for air to move more easily into and out of the lung.
Bronchodilators are prescribed for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.
Bronchodilators are usually inhaled directly into the lungs through inhalers or nebulizers.
Bronchodilators may be categorized as follows:
- Short-acting beta 2-agonist (SABA)
- Long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA)
- Anticholinergic
People with asthma are often prescribed short-acting bronchodilators to bring asthma attacks under control, and long-acting bronchodilators are often prescribed to prevent the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Beta 2-agonists
1) Short-acting Beta-2 agonists (SABA): These are quick-relief or “rescue medications" that provide fast and temporary relief from asthma symptoms or flare-ups.
These short-acting medications usually start to work within 20 minutes or less, and can last from 4-6 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.
Short-acting beta 2-agnoists include:
- Albuterol (ProAir® HFA, Proventil®, Ventolin®)
- Levalbuterol (Xopenex®)
- Pirbuterol (Maxair®)
2) Long-acting beta 2-agonists (LABAs): These medications that are taken on a regular basis 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, and are particularly effective for relieving symptoms at night.
These long-acting medications are usually taken twice a day, and may be formulated in combination inhalers
Long-acting beta-2 agonists include:
- Arformoterol (Brovana®)
- Formoterol (found in Dulera® and Symbicort®)
- Salmeterol (found in Serevent® and Advair®)
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics relax the muscles in the airways through a different mechanism than beta 2-agonists. In general, they have found to be more effective in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than asthma.
Inhaled anticholinergics include:
- Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®)
- Tiotrpium Bromide (Spiriva®)
Source: Vivacare
Last updated : 1/8/2019