This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Beta-2 adrenergic agonists in asthma

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Beta-2 agonists are the most effective bronchodilators available and are relatively free of unwanted effects.

Short-acting beta-2 agonists are useful for symptom relief. The frequency of administration should be taken as a guide to the patient's requirement for additional inhaled steroids. Examples of short-acting beta-2 agonists include:

  • salbutamol
  • terbutaline

Long-acting beta-2 agonists have been a significant advance in asthma management. They cause bronchodilatation for more than 12 hours and, when taken twice daily, improve symptom control. It is important that long-acting beta-2 agonists should only be used in conjunction with inhaled steroids. Examples include:

  • salmeterol
  • formoterol

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.