Treatment

  Short-acting Beta-2 Agonists

Short-acting beta-2 agonists are relief medication and are meant to be taken only when needed rather than on a regular basis. They relieve symptoms quickly, but their effect lasts only from 4 to 6 hours.

Short-acting beta-2 agonists usually come in blue containers. Common brands include: Airomir^MC, Berotec^® , Bricanyl^®, Ventodisk^®, and Ventolin^® (salbutamol).

They are also available in the form of syrups or tablets, but are generally no longer recommended in these forms.

Action
These drugs relax airway muscles. They do not reduce inflammation. They start to work within 1 to 10 minutes, and their effect lasts 4 to 6 hours.

Dosage
Beta2-agonists should be used only when needed and at the lowest possible dosage. They provide quick relief for asthma symptoms and are meant for occasional use.

They can also be used to prevent (short term) symptoms. For example, if you are planning to exercise or to be exposed to the cold, you could use your bronchodilator about 15 minutes before going out or starting the activity.

Side Effects
Short-acting bronchodilators can produce side effects including tremors, rapid heart beat, headache and shakiness. If you experience side effects, discuss this with your doctor who will adjust the dosage or change medications. If your asthma is well controlled, you should not need to use a short-acting bronchodilator every day.

Additional Information
If you are experiencing asthma symptoms when it's time to use your regular corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) inhaler, take the "rescue" bronchodilator first, followed by the steroid.

Under normal conditions, a "rescue" bronchodilator does not have to be used before taking anti-inflammatory medication.

If you notice that you need to use the bronchodilator more often, it may be a sign that your asthma is not well controled and that there is increased inflammation of the airways. Talk to your physician or adjust your medication as recommended (action plan).