Bronchodilator
A bronchodilator is a type of medication that relieves the symptoms
of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other
lung conditions. It quickly relaxes the muscle bands that tighten
around your airways (bronchi). When those muscles relax, more air
comes in and out of your lungs so you can breathe comfortably.
Bronchodilators also help clear mucus from your lungs. As your
airways open, mucus moves more freely, which allows you to cough
mucus out of your body easily.
Bronchodilators are primarily available as inhalers and nebulizer (a
battery-powered machine that creates a fine spray) solutions.
What are the forms of bronchodilators?
There are two forms of bronchodilators:
Short-acting bronchodilators. Short-acting bronchodilators
quickly relieve or stop sudden (acute) asthma symptoms.
They’re effective for three to six hours. Another name for a short-
acting bronchodilator is a rescue inhaler. Inhalers are canisters
of medicine in a plastic holder with a mouthpiece. When you
spray an inhaler, it gives a consistent dose of medication.
Long-acting bronchodilators. Long-acting bronchodilators
keep your airways open for 12 hours. You use these inhalers
every day to prevent asthma attacks.
What are the types of bronchodilators?
There are three main types of bronchodilators: beta 2-agonists,
anticholinergics and theophylline.
Beta 2-agonists
Beta 2-agonists exist in short-acting forms and long-acting forms.
Short-acting beta 2-agonists (SABAs) quickly open your airways to
stop asthma symptoms. People sometimes refer to SABAs as
“reliever” or “rescue” medicines because they’re the best medications
for treating sudden, severe or new asthma symptoms.
SABAs work within 15 to 20 minutes and last for four to six hours. You
may also use them 15 to 20 minutes before exercising to prevent
asthma symptoms that arise from physical activity.
In inhaled forms, SABA medications include:
Albuterol (Ventolin®).
Levalbuterol (Xopenex®).
A combination of albuterol and ipratropium bromide (DuoNeb®).
Albuterol Nebulizer Solution
ALBUTEROL (al BYOO ter ole) treats lung diseases, such as asthma,
where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing troubles or
wheezing (bronchospasm). It is also used to treat asthma or prevent
breathing problems during exercise. This medication works by
opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is
often called a rescue- or quick-relief medication.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care
provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Accuneb, Proventil
This medication is for inhalation using a nebulizer. Nebulizers make a
liquid into an aerosol that you breathe in through your mouth or your
mouth and nose and into your lungs. Do not mix this medication with
other ones in the nebulizer. Take it as directed on the prescription
label. Do not use it more often than directed.
Levalbuterol Nebulizer Solution
LEVALBUTEROL (lev al BYOO ter ol) treats lung diseases, such as
asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing
problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the
airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a
rescue or quick-relief inhaler.
Ipratropium; Albuterol Inhalation
Solution
IPRATROPIUM: ALBUTEROL (i pra TROE pee um; al BYOO ter ole)
is a combination of 2 drugs to treat COPD. Ipratropium is a
bronchodilator that helps keep airways open. Albuterol decreases
inflammation in the lungs. Do not use this drug combination for acute
asthma attacks or bronchospasm.
Formoterol inhalation powder
FORMOTEROL (for MOH te rol) is a long-acting bronchodilator. It
treats COPD. It is always used with another medicine for COPD. Do
not use this medicine to treat an acute COPD attack or
bronchospasm.
Combination Agents for COPD
Fluticasone; Salmeterol Metered Dose
Inhaler (MDI)
FLUTICASONE; SALMETEROL (floo TIK a sone; sal ME te role)
treats asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It
works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
It is a combination of an inhaled steroid and a bronchodilator. It is
often called a controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics are available as ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®)
and tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat®). They block the effects of
acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that your body
makes.
Ipratropium bromide is available as an inhaler and a nebulizer
solution. You can use it up to four times a day.
Tiotropium bromide is available as an inhaler. Depending on which
kind your healthcare provider prescribes, you can use it once a day or
four times a day.
Anticholinergics aren’t quick-relief medications. However, they’re
effective in controlling difficult asthma symptoms.
Ipratropium nasal spray
PRATROPIUM (i pra TROE pee um) is used to relieve a runny nose
due to seasonal allergies or non allergic causes, like a cold. This
medicine does not help with nasal congestion or sneezing.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care
provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Atrovent
This medicine is for use only in the nose. Follow the directions on the
prescription label. Do not use more often than directed. Do not share
this medicine with anyone else. Make sure that you are using your
nasal spray correctly. Ask you doctor or health care provider if you
have any questions.
Tiotropium Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
TIOTROPIUM (tee oh TRO pee um) treats asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by opening the
airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a
controller inhaler. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack or
COPD flare-up.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care
provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Spiriva Respimat
This medication is inhaled through the mouth. Take it as directed on
the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not use it more
often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to
stop.
How to use a bronchodilator inhaler?
It’s important to use your bronchodilator inhaler properly to get the full
medication dosage. The following steps will help you properly use
your bronchodilator inhaler:
1. Shake your inhaler about 10 to 15 times. Make sure the cap is
on tight.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Take a deep breath in and breathe out completely.
4. Put your mouth around the mouthpiece.
5. Press the inhaler down once.
6. Take a slow, deep breath in through your mouth. If you hear a
horn-like sound, you’re breathing too quickly and must slow
down.
7. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Count slowly to allow the
medication to reach your lungs’ airways.
8. Repeat these steps for each puff your healthcare provider has
recommended. Wait about one minute between each puff.
9. Replace the cap on your inhaler when you’re finished.
10. If you’re using a corticosteroid inhaler, gargle water or
mouthwash after you’re finished. Rinsing your mouth helps
reduce any side effects.
