Anticholinergics
Anticholinergic bronchodilators are inhaled medicines.
They can be short- or long-lasting. The short-lasting form (ipatropium) works in about 15 minutes and lasts for 6-8 hours, and is usually taken 4 times a day. The
long-lasting form (tiotropium and glycopirronnium) takes about 20 minutes to begin working and lasts 24 hours, and is taken only once a day.
Because of the slower onset of action of anticholinergics, they are not to be
used for quick relief (reliever medicine).
Theophylline
Theophylline is no longer commonly used for COPD.
Theophylline is usually taken by pill. Inhaled forms of theophylline are not available. Like other bronchodilators, there are short- and long-lasting forms of
theophylline. The short-lasting form works for 6 hours while the long-lasting form works for 12-24 hours. When taking theophylline, a blood test must be
done to check your theophylline level.
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