Fast-acting beta2-agonists for quick relief of asthma symptoms

Examples

Prescription fast-acting beta2-agonists for asthma include:

Generic Name
salbutamol (Airomir, Ventolin, Ventolin Diskus, Ventolin Diskhaler)
terbutaline sulfate (Bricanyl Turbuhaler)
formoterol fermarate (Oxeze Turbuhaler)

Fast-acting beta2-agonists are available in inhaled, pill, liquid, and injectable forms. The inhaled form is available in metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Inhalers may be used differently, depending on the medication used. Always consult the directions to be sure you are using the inhaler correctly.

How It Works

Fast-acting beta2-agonists are bronchodilators. They relax the muscles lining the airways that carry air to the lungs (bronchial tubes) within 5 minutes, increasing airflow and making it easier to breathe. They relieve asthma symptoms for 3 to 6 hours. They do not control the inflammation.

Why It Is Used

Fast-acting beta2-agonists are used to:

• Provide quick relief of symptoms during asthma attacks.
• Prevent asthma symptoms before exercise.
• Treat symptoms in mild intermittent asthma.

How much of the medication you use depends on how severe your symptoms are. For more information, see:

• Asthma medications for adults, teens, and children older than age 5.
• Asthma medications for children age 5 and younger.

How Well It Works

Fast-acting beta2-agonists are the treatment of choice for relieving symptoms during asthma attacks and for treating intermittent asthma symptoms.¹ They are also used to relieve symptoms caused by exercise.

Research indicates that combining fast-acting beta2-agonists and ipratropium in acute, severe asthma episodes, compared with using only beta2-agonists, resulted in:²

• Fewer hospital visits.
• Improved lung function.

Side Effects

Side effects of fast-acting beta2-agonists are more likely to occur when using the pill, liquid, or injectable forms than when using the inhaled form. Side effects may include:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Anxiety.
• Hives and skin rash.
• Nervousness or tremor (such as unsteady, shaky hands).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Fast-acting beta2-agonists should be used for mild intermittent asthma and quick relief of symptoms. They should not be used alone for persistent asthma.

Fast-acting beta2-agonists are the best treatment for quick relief of asthma episodes and for emergency situations. Using the inhaled form of a fast-acting beta2-agonist is preferred for asthma treatment because it:

• Opens (dilates) bronchial tubes better than the pill or liquid form and does so at lower doses.
• Causes fewer side effects throughout the body than the oral form.
• Acts faster and lasts about as long as the oral form.

Because fast-acting beta2-agonists work quickly to reduce symptoms, people sometimes overuse these medicines instead of using the slower-acting long-term medicines. But research shows that overuse of quick-relief medicines has harmful effects, such as decreasing the future effectiveness of these medicines.³

If you need to use fast-acting beta2-agonists more than 2 times a week (except before exercise) or use more than 1 canister every 3 months, you may need to start or increase long-term therapy. Discuss this with your health professional.

Try to avoid giving your child an inhaled medication when he or she is crying. In this case, not as much medication is delivered to the lungs.

olds or other upper respiratory infections can cause asthma episodes in some people. Some health professionals recommend that people who have mild intermittent asthma use a fast-acting beta2-agonist at the first sign of cold symptoms.⁴

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: September 4, 2007
Medical Review:	Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
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