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Inhaled Beta-2 Agonists
Beta2-agonists work in a manner similar to adrenaline, opening airways and easing breathing. They work by binding with, and thus stimulating, "beta2-receptors" that line the cell walls of the lungs and the bronchioles. The effect of this stimulation is to
relax smooth muscles and widen the airways.
In COPD, beta2-agonists should be scheduled instead of taken on as needed basis. Possible side effects to the beta2-agonists include shakiness, rapid heartbeat, and upset stomach.
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Beta2-agonists
relax smooth muscles to widen air passages.
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Until recently, all available beta2-agonists were ones that worked quickly but lasted for a relatively short time - about 4-6 hours. Longer-acting beta2-agonists have since been introduced. They cannot be used to quickly relieve symptoms, because there is a delay before they start working. Currently there are two on the market: salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil). Longer-acting beta2-agonists are prescribed as maintenance medications which are to be taken on a scheduled basis without regard for the symptoms the patient is having at that particular moment. A short-acting beta2-agonist is best to treat acute symptoms of shortness of breath. Drugs in the class
Albuterol Inhaler (Ventolin Inhaler)
Salmeterol Powder Inhalation (Servent Diskus)
Formoterol Inhalation Powder, Capsules (Foradil Aerolizer Powder for Inhalation)
Pirbuterol Acetate Oral Inhalation (Maxair)
Salmeterol Aerosol Inhalation (Serevent)
Levalbuterol (Levalbuterol Inhaler, Xopenex HFA Inhaler)
Isoproterenol Oral Inhalation (Isuprel, Medihaler-Iso)
Albuterol Nebulizer Solution (Accuneb Solution for Inhalation)
Metaproterenol Inhalation (Alupent Inhalation) | 
