Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
β2 agonists
There is a tendency for long acting β2 agonists to reduce death[1] and slow progression of airway obstruction[2].
An increased risk is associated with long acting β2 agonists among patients with asthma due to decreased sensitivity to inflammation so generally the use of a concomitant corticosteroid is indicated [3][4].
There are several highly specific β2 agonists available. Salbutamol (Ventolin) is the most widely used short acting β2 agonist to provide rapid relief and should be prescribed as a front line therapy for all classes of patients. Other β2 agonists are Bambuterol, Clenbuterol, Fenoterol, and Formoterol. Longer acting β2 agonists such as Salmeterol act too slowly to be used as relief for dypsnea so these drugs should be used as a secondary therapy.
- ↑ Calverley PM, Anderson JA, Celli B, et al (February 2007). "Salmeterol and fluticasone propionate and survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". N. Engl. J. Med. 356 (8): 775–89. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa063070. PMID 17314337. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Celli BR, Thomas NE, Anderson JA, et al (August 2008). "Effect of pharmacotherapy on rate of decline of lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from the TORCH study". Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 178 (4): 332–8. DOI:10.1164/rccm.200712-1869OC. PMID 18511702. Research Blogging.
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ [2]