Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators help open the airways in the lungs by relaxing smooth muscle around the airways. There are three types of bronchodilators: beta-agonists, anticholinergics, and theophyllines.
Combination medications contain more than one type of medicine and are sometimes more beneficial than either medicine used alone.
Beta-agonists
Anticholinergics
Theophylline
Beta-agonists
Beta-agonists can be short-acting or long-acting.
Short-acting beta-agonists work quickly (within 15-20 minutes) to relieve shortness of breath. They are sometimes described as "rescue" or "quick-reliever" medications. Your doctor may prescribe a short-acting beta-agonist to use regularly or as-needed to relieve shortness of breath.
Common short-acting inhaled beta-agonists include:
- Proventil® and Ventolin® (albuterol)
- Maxair® (pirbuterol)
- Alupent® (metaproterenol)
Long-acting beta-agonists do not begin working immediately, but their effects last for a long time (about 12 hours). Therefore, these medicines should not be used for acute attacks of breathlessness or in an emergency. Long-acting beta-agonists are used regularly, usually twice a day, to open the airways and keep them open.
Common long-acting inhaled beta-agonists include:
What about inhaled medication delivery devices ?
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics do not act right away. They should not be taken for quick relief or in emergencies. These medications are inhaled regularly to open the airways, and keep them open.
Common anticholinergics are:
- Atrovent® (ipratropium)
- Spiriva ® (tiotropium)
A combination medication, Combivent ® contains a short-acting beta-agonist (albuterol) and an anticholinergic (ipratropium). When these medications are combined, their effects are greater than if each medication were taken alone.
Theophylline
Theophylline is available in pills and is taken regularly. A theophylline blood level between 5-15 mcg/ml usually gives relief of symptoms while avoiding side effects. Theophylline can interact with other medications, herbals, and dietary supplements, so it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are on this medication.
Common theophylline brand names include:
- Theo-dur®
- Slo-bid®
- Uniphyl®
- Uni-Dur®
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This information has been approved by Esther Langmack, M.D. (March 2006).
