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Inhaled Beta-2 Agonists
Inside the lungs, large airways branch into millions of tiny tubes called bronchioles. The ends of the bronchioles are small sacs (alveoli), which are so thin that air can pass through them into the blood. If the bronchioles are narrowed by inflammation or irritation, not as much air can get through them. However, the linings of the bronchioles have places (receptors) that attract beta-2 agonists. Stimulating the beta-2 receptors allows the bronchioles to widen so that more air can pass into the blood.
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Beta2-agonists
widen airways.
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Two types of inhaled beta-2 agonists are available currently. The more common, short-acting type works quickly but lasts for only about 4 hours to 6 hours. Usually, short-acting beta-2 inhalers are used as needed to treat asthma attacks that have started. More recently, a long-acting type of inhaled beta-2 agonist has been introduced. These inhalers cannot stop an attack because their effects take longer to begin. Long-acting beta2-agonists are used once or twice every day at scheduled times. Drugs in the class
Albuterol Nebulizer Solution (Proventil Nebulizer Solution, Ventolin Nebules, Ventolin Nebulizer Solution)
Formoterol (Foradil)
Salmeterol Aerosol Inhalation (Serevent)
Pirbuterol Acetate Oral Inhalation (Maxair)
Albuterol Inhaler (Proventil HFA, Proventil Inhaler, Ventolin Inhaler)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
Terbutaline Inhaler (Brethaire)
Salmeterol Powder Inhalation (Servent Diskus)
Isoproterenol Oral Inhalation (Isuprel, Medihaler-Iso)
Metaproterenol Inhalation (Alupent Inhalation) | 
