Antimuscarinic bronchodilators
Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) bronchodilators provide an alternative, complementary approach to the treatment of airways obstruction, to the use of beta2-adrenergic agents. They are useful for the treatment of asthmatic patients who are poorly controlled by, or who experience troublesome side-effects from, adrenergic agents. Antimuscarinic agents delivered by inhalation block activity of acetylcholine at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the airways, to induce bronchodilation.
Tiotropium, prescribed for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and as an adjunct to inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2 agonists for the maintenance treatment of patients with asthma (experiencing one or more severe exacerbations in the last year)
Glycopyrronium bromide, indicated for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Umeclidinium, indicated for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Combination medications
Umeclidinium with vilanterol (beta2 receptor agonist), indicated for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Tiotropium with olodaterol (beta2 receptor agonist), indicated for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease