Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses and TypesBeta-Adrenergic AgonistsAnticholinergicsMethylxanthinesHow to Use
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses and Types
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
Anticholinergics
Methylxanthines
How to Use
These medications are typically inhaled through the mouth using an inhaler and are also prescribed in liquid, pill, and injectable forms.
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Because bronchodilators relax smooth muscle in the airways. They have a dilating effect on thebronchiand they relieve issues like sudden constriction (tightening) of the airways.
Bronchodilators are available in short-acting or long-acting formulations.
You may be prescribed a long-acting bronchodilator and a short-acting bronchodilator if you have asthma, COPD, allergies, or cystic fibrosis.
Bronchodilators are commonly used for the treatment of bronchiolitis, an acute infection of the airways that tends to affect children.However, their use is controversial when it comes to this condition and not widely agreed on; experts suggest that the value of bronchodilators in treating this condition hasn’t been proven.
There are three classes of bronchodilators, and each class works a little differently. Your prescription will depend on your specific condition.
Types of bronchodilators:
Beta-adrenergic agonists (also known as beta-agonists) are medications that bind to beta-adrenoceptors, which are located on the muscles that dilate and constrict your airways.These medications activate the receptors that make the muscles of your airways relax so your airways will widen, allowing you to breathe easier.
Beta-agonists can either be short-acting (lasting between four to six hours) or long-acting (lasting 12 or more hours). Short-acting types are available in oral and inhaled formulations; long-acting are only available in inhaled versions.
Theshort-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)currently approved in the U.S. are:
The long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) currently approved in the U.S. are:
Beta-agonist medications are also used in two-in-one formulations such asSymbicortwhich combines formoterol with an inhaled corticosteroid known as budesonide.
Most beta-agonists can be used for COPD and asthma, and the short-acting formulations are commonly used for treatment of allergies. Albuterol is approved for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Drug side effects are usually dose-related and more commonly seen with oral use. The most common ones includehigh blood pressure, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), heart palpitations, tremors, and sleep disturbances.
These medications are often used with caution in people who have heart disease.
Beta-Angonists for Asthma
The anticholinergics currently approved in the U.S. are:
There is also a combination inhaled formulation called Combivent, which contains ipratropium and the short-acting beta-agonist albuterol.
The most common side effects of anticholinergic drugs are dry mouth and a metallic aftertaste. In rare cases, glaucoma has been known to occur. These medications can also cause cardiac side effects.
Methylxanthines are a unique class of drug known to alleviate airflow obstruction, reduce inflammation, and temper bronchial contractions.
These drugs are used for treatment of chronic and acute asthma.They are currently available in either pill, liquid, and intravenous formulations. However, their mechanism of action is not well understood and, while effective, the drugs are not commonly first-line treatment choices due to their range of side effects.
The two methylxanthine drugs approved in the U.S. are:
The side effects may include headaches, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, jitteriness, rapid breathing, and heartburn.
If you or your child is prescribed a bronchodilator, it’s important that youlearn how to use it properlyso that you can absorb the medication into your lungs. Using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) can be tricky at first.
You can ask a provider on your medical team or at the pharmacy to help you learn how to use it or to watch you the first time you try it.
Carefully go through these steps when using your inhaler.
How Do Inhalers Work?
Be sure to ask how to store your medicine, whether you need to pump a few sprays before each use, and how to know when yourdevice is getting empty.
For Your Safety
When you’re still having trouble breathing even after using your bronchodilator inhaler, you may be tempted to use it again to give yourself a second dose (or third or fourth) of the medication. Despite the temptation, it’s important to stick with the dose prescribed. If you feel as if your medication isn’t helping your condition, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
Also, be sure to follow the following safety tips:
Don’t skip using your inhaler if you can’t afford your prescription. There are several discount prescription programs available, and your healthcare provider may be able to provide you with free samples.
A Word From Verywell
Bronchodilators are a mainstay of treatment for many respiratory diseases. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, such as a corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation and help you breathe easier.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358Gadomski AM, Scribani MB.Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(6):CD001266.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001266.pub4Khaled Almadhoun; Sandeep Sharma.Bronchodilators. StatPearls.Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi:10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358dx.doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358Billington CK, Penn RB, Hall IP.β agonists.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2017;237:23-40.doi:10.1007/164_2016_64Buels KS, Fryer AD.Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;(208):317–341. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14Kirkland SW, Vandenberghe C, Voaklander B, Nikel T, Campbell S, Rowe BH.Combined inhaled beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents for emergency management in adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;1(1):CD001284. Published 2017 Jan 11. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001284.pub2Tashkin DP.The safety of anticholinergic bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2015;14(11):1759-72.doi:10.1517/14740338.2015.1093621Mahemuti G, Zhang H, Li J, Tieliwaerdi N, Ren L.Efficacy and side effects of intravenous theophylline in acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:99-120.doi:10.2147/DDDT.S156509Oñatibia-astibia A, Martínez-pinilla E, Franco R.The potential of methylxanthine-based therapies in pediatric respiratory tract diseases.Respir Med. 2016;112:1-9.doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2016.01.022Additional ReadingVestbo, J.; Hurd, S.; Agusti, A. et al.Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary.Am J Respir Crit Care Med.2013; 187(4):347-65. doi: 10.1164/rccm.210204-0596PP.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358Gadomski AM, Scribani MB.Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(6):CD001266.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001266.pub4Khaled Almadhoun; Sandeep Sharma.Bronchodilators. StatPearls.Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi:10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358dx.doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358Billington CK, Penn RB, Hall IP.β agonists.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2017;237:23-40.doi:10.1007/164_2016_64Buels KS, Fryer AD.Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;(208):317–341. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14Kirkland SW, Vandenberghe C, Voaklander B, Nikel T, Campbell S, Rowe BH.Combined inhaled beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents for emergency management in adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;1(1):CD001284. Published 2017 Jan 11. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001284.pub2Tashkin DP.The safety of anticholinergic bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2015;14(11):1759-72.doi:10.1517/14740338.2015.1093621Mahemuti G, Zhang H, Li J, Tieliwaerdi N, Ren L.Efficacy and side effects of intravenous theophylline in acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:99-120.doi:10.2147/DDDT.S156509Oñatibia-astibia A, Martínez-pinilla E, Franco R.The potential of methylxanthine-based therapies in pediatric respiratory tract diseases.Respir Med. 2016;112:1-9.doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2016.01.022Additional ReadingVestbo, J.; Hurd, S.; Agusti, A. et al.Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary.Am J Respir Crit Care Med.2013; 187(4):347-65. doi: 10.1164/rccm.210204-0596PP.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358Gadomski AM, Scribani MB.Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(6):CD001266.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001266.pub4Khaled Almadhoun; Sandeep Sharma.Bronchodilators. StatPearls.Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi:10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358dx.doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358Billington CK, Penn RB, Hall IP.β agonists.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2017;237:23-40.doi:10.1007/164_2016_64Buels KS, Fryer AD.Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;(208):317–341. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14Kirkland SW, Vandenberghe C, Voaklander B, Nikel T, Campbell S, Rowe BH.Combined inhaled beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents for emergency management in adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;1(1):CD001284. Published 2017 Jan 11. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001284.pub2Tashkin DP.The safety of anticholinergic bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2015;14(11):1759-72.doi:10.1517/14740338.2015.1093621Mahemuti G, Zhang H, Li J, Tieliwaerdi N, Ren L.Efficacy and side effects of intravenous theophylline in acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:99-120.doi:10.2147/DDDT.S156509Oñatibia-astibia A, Martínez-pinilla E, Franco R.The potential of methylxanthine-based therapies in pediatric respiratory tract diseases.Respir Med. 2016;112:1-9.doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2016.01.022
Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358
Gadomski AM, Scribani MB.Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(6):CD001266.doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001266.pub4
Khaled Almadhoun; Sandeep Sharma.Bronchodilators. StatPearls.
Barry PJ, Flume PA.Bronchodilators in cystic fibrosis: a critical analysis.Expert Rev Respir Med. 2017;11(1):13-20.doi:10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358
dx.doi.org/10.1080/17476348.2017.1246358
Billington CK, Penn RB, Hall IP.β agonists.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2017;237:23-40.doi:10.1007/164_2016_64
Buels KS, Fryer AD.Muscarinic receptor antagonists: effects on pulmonary function.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;(208):317–341. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-23274-9_14
Kirkland SW, Vandenberghe C, Voaklander B, Nikel T, Campbell S, Rowe BH.Combined inhaled beta-agonist and anticholinergic agents for emergency management in adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;1(1):CD001284. Published 2017 Jan 11. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001284.pub2
Tashkin DP.The safety of anticholinergic bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2015;14(11):1759-72.doi:10.1517/14740338.2015.1093621
Mahemuti G, Zhang H, Li J, Tieliwaerdi N, Ren L.Efficacy and side effects of intravenous theophylline in acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018;12:99-120.doi:10.2147/DDDT.S156509
Oñatibia-astibia A, Martínez-pinilla E, Franco R.The potential of methylxanthine-based therapies in pediatric respiratory tract diseases.Respir Med. 2016;112:1-9.doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2016.01.022
Vestbo, J.; Hurd, S.; Agusti, A. et al.Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary.Am J Respir Crit Care Med.2013; 187(4):347-65. doi: 10.1164/rccm.210204-0596PP.
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