Goals of Therapy Asthma Action Plan Control Medications   - Corticosteroids   - Non-Steroidal Anti-      Inflammatory   - Theophylline Prevention Medications   - Leukotriene Modifiers   - Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists Rescue Medications   - Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists   - Anticholinergics Peak Flow Inhalers   - Proper Spacer Usage   - Inhalant Canister Calendar

For a version suitable for printing, click here. Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists Short-acting beta2-agonists open the bronchial tubes by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the airways. They act quickly to give relief from the shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, or wheezing and are generally used in case of an acute asthma attack to quickly relieve these symptoms. Short-acting beta2-agonists should be used intermittently as a rescue medications only, not on a regular basis to control your asthma. If you find that you are using short-acting beta2-agonists on regularly, you should check with you doctor, as anti-inflammatory medications may be needed for control measures. Side Effects Possible side effects of short-acting beta2-agonists are shakiness, headache, or rapid heartbeat. Overuse of short-acting beta2-agonists can lead to an irregular heartbeat, unresponsiveness to the inhaled asthma medications, and a delay in seeking necessary treatment. Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists Brands There are several types of short-acting beta2-agonists that perform the same functions, including: Albuterol - Inhaler (Albuterol, Proventil®, Proventil HFA®, Ventolin®, Ventolin Rotacaps®) Albuterol - Nebulizer Solution (Albuterol, Proventil®, Ventolin®) Bitolterol - Inhaler and Nebulizer (Tornalate®) Pirbuterol - Inhaler (Maxair®, Maxair Autohaler®) Terbutaline - Inhaler (Brethaire®) Levalbuterol HCl - Nebulixer Solution (Xopenex®) Check with your doctor to see which type is right for you. See How to Use Your Inhaler for proper use. Forward to Anticholinergics » « Back to Rescue Medications ^ Back to Top

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