Long-Acting Beta Agonists: Salmeterol and Formeterol

Salmeterol and Formeterol
Two long-acting ß 2 -adrenergic agonists (LABAs), salmeterol and formoterol, have been demonstrated to be safe and effective agents in children, both in terms of bronchodilation and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Their onsets of action differ, with formoterol having an onset similar to albuterol (3 minutes), while salmeterol has a slower onset of action (10–20 minutes). Following a single-dose administration, both agents demonstrate durations of action up to 12 hours. Following regular twice-daily administration, bronchodilation remains effective; however, a level of tolerance (or tachyphylaxis) (more…)

Formoterol-Budesonide Combination Therapy forReliever Medication In Asthma

Formoterol-Budesonide
Asthma control is improved by combining inhaled corticosteroids with long acting beta-agonists but patients still require reliever medication for breakthrough symptoms. Periodic fluctuations in symptoms and airway inflammation are characteristics of asthma, which means that treatment requirements, especially reliever use, can vary over time. (more…)

Long Acting Beta-Agonist Bronchodilator Tolerance

Regular use of ß-agonists has been known to lead to tolerance to their bronchodilator effects. It is not known how quickly tolerance develops or how long it lasts after stopping ß-agonist therapy.

Bronchodilator tolerance occurs after even a single dose and reaches a maximum after 1 week of regular formoterol. Sensitivity recovers 3 days after stopping treatment. (more…)

Common Drugs Used For Asthma Treatment

asthma treatment drugs
Drugs used for asthma can be divided broadly into two categories:

Drugs that relieve the muscle spasm in the wind pipe (bronchodilators)

Beta agonists

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These drugs are very useful to relieve the asthma attack symptoms. There are two types in this category short acting and long acting beta agonists. (more…)