Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

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 medication 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 medication, 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.