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| Types of Bronchodilators |
| There are 4 types of bronchodilators plus combinations of them: |
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| 1. |
Anticholinergics (anti-coll-in-air-jiks), like ipratropium, act against a chemical called acetylcholine that constricts the airways. It may also cause excess mucous production. Anticholinergics relax muscles and open your airways. This effect is not permanent, so the dosage will be repeated when needed. Ipratropium can take effect within 15 minutes. |
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| 2. |
ß2-agonists (beta 2-a-go-nistz), such as albuterol, also open the airways by relaxing muscles. They increase the activity of the tiny hairs that line your airways. They may help clear out mucous and decrease swelling. There are two types of ß2-agonists:- Short-acting that provide quick relief from breathing difficulties
- Long-acting for sustained relief
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| 3. |
Methylxanthine (meth-il-zan-theen) is a natural substance found in tea. It is similar to caffeine but just how it works is not fully known. Theophylline (thee-aw-fill-een), the only drug in this class, may assist breathing by increasing the force of contraction of the diaphragm. If you take theophylline, you must be closely monitored by your doctor. |
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| 4. |
Corticosteroids (core-ti-co-stair-oydz) reduce inflammation in the airways. You can use these drugs only for a limited amount of time. Extended use can result in long-term side effects. |
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| 5. |
Combination Therapies for COPD give you highly effective medicines that are very easy to use.
- A medication that combines an anticholinergic drug (ipratropium) with a short-acting ß2-agonists (albuterol), such as DuoNeb®, opens the airways more than either drug alone. It provides both quick relief and sustained relief through nebulization. The same combination is also available in a metered dose inhaler.
- The combination of long-acting ß2-agonist and corticosteroid in a dry powder inhaler has recently been approved by the FDA. This combination is not fast-acting.
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| Note: Talk to your doctor for a plan that’s right for you. |
