COPD - Treatment

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  • COPD - Treatment
  • Beta2 -Agonists

    Inhaled beta2-agonists can be fast-acting (start to work within 3 to 5 minutes), or slow-acting (take 20 minutes to work).

    These medications can also be short- or long-lasting. Short-lasting beta2-agonists (albuterol, pirbuterol, salbutamol,terbutaline) last for 4-6 hours, while long lasting (salmeterol, formoterol) can last for up to 12 hours or 24 hours (Indacaterol).

    Albuterol and terbutaline are available in both inhaled and pill forms. The pill form can cause more side effects than the inhaled form.

    Beta2 -agonists that are fast-acting are also known as reliever medicines because they bring quick relief for breathlessness, but do not last long enough to provide 24- hour relief. Using your reliever medication before an activity that you know makes your breathing worse (exercise, showering, or going out into the cold air) may help lessen or prevent your breathing difficulty.

    Long-lasting beta2 -agonists are taken every 12 hours, providing convenient 24 hour treatment of COPD. 

  • Reference:
    ATS PATIENT INFORMATION SERIES & PATIENT HEALTH SERIES
    http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/medicines-used-to-treat-copd.pdf

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