Anti-asthmatic Drugs (Part 2) Pharmacology of Beta-2 Agonists by Dr. Shikha Parmar

What are the Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists Medications? Watch the video for an overview of the medical definition.

➡️ What is a Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist?
They are a class of drugs that act on the beta-2 adrenergic receptors. This causes the smooth muscles of the airways to relax, which is why they are effective in treating conditions that cause acute bronchospasm. Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists cause smooth muscle relaxation, bronchodilation, vasodilation, and the release of insulin.

➡️ Types of Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists:
1. Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists
2. Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists
3. Ultra-Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists

Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists are known as rescue drugs because they are used to treat acute bronchospasm. For example, if a patient is having an acute asthma attack, then a short-acting bronchodilator would be indicated. Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists, on the other hand, are known as maintenance medications. That is because they are used to control and maintain conditions that cause chronic bronchospasm.

For example, they would be useful for the maintenance of patients with stable asthma and COPD who are not having an acute exacerbation. If the patient is having an acute attack, a short, fast-acting bronchodilator would be indicated. But if they're in stable condition, this is where long-acting bronchodilators are useful to help prevent those acute exacerbations.

➡️ Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists:
▪ Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
▪ Levalbuterol (Xopenex)
▪ Metaproterenol (Alupent)

➡️ Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists:
▪ Arformoterol (Brovana)
▪ Salmeterol (Serevent)
▪ Formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)

Keep in mind, these were just a few examples of the common types of this medication. We actually have a full guide on our website if you want to dive deeper into this topic. I will drop a link to it right below this video down in the description.

➡️ Side Effects of Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists:
▪ Tachycardia
▪ Shakiness, tremors, and quivering
▪ Palpitations
▪ Excessive sweating
▪ Anxiety
▪ Insomnia

The severity of each side effect varies from patient to patient, but these are just some of the ones to look out for.

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