Bronchodilators: Types, Classes, Use and Side Effects

Bronchodilators are a class of drugs that are useful in treating lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The bronchi, or the tightened muscle bands across your airways, are promptly relaxed by it. You may breathe more comfortably as a result of your muscles relaxing and more air entering and leaving your lungs.

Bronchodilators also aid in the removal of mucus from the lungs. The mucus moves through your airways more easily when they widen, which facilitates coughing.

Types Of Bronchodilators

The two main kinds of bronchodilators that are marketed are inhalers and nebulizer solutions, which are battery-operated devices that produce a thin spray.

Two types of bronchodilators are available:

• Short-acting bronchodilators: Acute asthma symptoms can be promptly relieved or stopped with the help of short-acting bronchodilators. They work for a duration of three to six hours. An additional term for a rescue inhaler is a short-acting bronchodilator. Inhalers are medication canisters with a mouthpiece enclosed in a plastic holder. A steady dosage of medication is delivered by an inhaler when sprayed.
• Long-acting bronchodilators: Your airways remain open for 12 hours when using long-acting bronchodilators. You avoid asthma attacks by using these inhalers daily.

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Classes Of Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators can be divided into three main classes: beta 2-agonists, anticholinergics, and theophylline.

Beta-2-agonists

Both long-acting and short-acting beta 2-agonists are available.

Asthma symptoms can be quickly relieved by using short-acting beta 2-agonists, or SABAs. SABAs are sometimes referred to as "rescue" or "reliever" medications since they are the best medications for treating sudden, severe, or unusual asthma symptoms.

SABAs work for four to six hours and have a half-life of fifteen to twenty minutes. They can also be used 15 to 20 minutes before exercising to prevent exacerbation of asthma symptoms.

The following SABA medications are inhaled:

• Levofredolent
• Albuterol

Combination of Albuterol and ipratropium bromide

You can take long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) twice a day to maintain and manage your airways over the long term. Inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs work well together to treat asthma. Corticosteroids have the ability to decrease lung and airway edoema. LABAs are also effective in treating asthma brought on by exercise.

Accessible as a dry powder inhaler (DPI), LABAs are. Several of these medications are:

• Salmeterol
• Formoterol.

Anticholinergic drugs include tiotropium bromide and ipratropium bromide. They decrease the impact that acetylcholine has. 

There are two forms of ipratropium bromide available: an inhaler and a nebulizer solution. It is permitted to be used up to four times a day.

There is an inhaler for tiotropium bromide available. You can use it once a day or four times a day, depending on the kind your doctor recommends.

Anticholinergics are not meant to be taken for immediate relief. On the other hand, they work well to manage challenging asthma symptoms.

Theophylline

You can get theophylline (Uniphyl®) as a pill to swallow with water. It helps manage severe symptoms of asthma and is taken once a day. Theophylline is no longer the recommended course of treatment, though.

You have to get blood tests when taking theophylline to make sure you're getting the right dosage.

The side effects of bronchodilators can vary depending on the type you take.

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Side Effects Of Bronchodilators

The following are a few side effects of beta 2-agonists:

• Shivering or unpleasant feelings.
• Over excitement
• Increased heart rate.
• Stomach pain.
• Having trouble sleeping.

Certain beta 2-agonists, including albuterol, are available as pills or syrups. Since there is a higher dosage in these formulations, there may be more adverse effects. They enter and are absorbed in your bloodstream.

Side effects of anticholinergic medications include:

• Dry throat, eyes, and nose.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Short-term visual impairment if the drug gets in your eyes.
• Anticholinergic drugs may make it difficult to go to the toilet. Consult your physician if you have any bladder-related conditions. These conditions could be benign bladder stones.

Among theophylline's adverse effects are:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach ache.
• Leprosy
• Pain.
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
• Muscular cramps.
• Shivering
• Unpleasant feelings.

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How To Use Bronchodilators?

You must use your bronchodilator inhaler appropriately to get the whole recommended dosage. Use your bronchodilator inhaler as best you can by doing the following:

• Shake your inhaler ten or fifteen times. Make sure the cap is on firmly.
• Remove the cap.
• Take a deep breath, then exhale completely.
• Lips encircling the mouthpiece.
• Press the inhaler once.
• Take a calm, deep breath through your lips. If you hear something that sounds like a horn, you should slow down your breathing.
• Take ten seconds to breathe in and out. Count slowly to aid in the drug's entry into your lungs.
• Repeat these steps for each puff that your healthcare provider has prescribed. There should be a minute or so between each puff.
• Use mouthwash or water to rinse your mouth after taking a corticosteroid inhaler. Rinsing with mouthwash reduces any bad effects.

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