Beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists
The beta2-adrenoceptor agonist drugs used in respiratory medicine function as long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs). They are prescribed as single agents or in combination with inhaled corticosteroids or muscarinic receptor antagonists.
Single agent long-acting beta2 agonists
Salmeterol, prescribed for reversible airways obstruction, nocturnal asthma, and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients requiring long-term regular bronchodilator therapy. Also used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only used in severe asthma in patients taking regular inhaled corticosteroid. As the duration of drug action is around 12 hours it is administered twice daily.
Formoterol, prescribed for the same indications as salmeterol
Indacaterol, prescribed for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Olodaterol, prescribed for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Bambuterol hydrochloride, a pro-drug of terbutaline, prescribed for asthma and other conditions associated with reversible airways obstruction
Combination medications
Budesonide (corticosteroid) plus formoterol, prescribed for maintenance therapy for asthma, and for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with forced expiratory volume <50% of predicted (per second)
Fluticasone (corticosteroid) plus salmeterol, prescribed for prophylaxis of asthma
Vilanterol plus fluticasone (corticosteroid), prescribed for prophylaxis of asthma and vilanterol plus umeclidinium (a muscarinic receptor antagonist), prescribed for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Incadaterol is available combined with glycopyrronium (a muscarinic receptor antagonist), for Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Formoterol is available combined with the corticosteroids budesonide, fluticasone or beclometasone
Olodaterol is available combined with the muscarinic receptor antagonists glycopyrronium or tiotropium