Beta-agonist

Beta-agonists work by activating beta-2 cell receptors so that the muscles in the respiratory tract are more relaxed. That way, the previously narrowed respiratory tract will be wider, the flow of air in and out of the lungs will be smoother, and complaints, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing, can subside.

Beta-agonist Trademarks are as follow

According to how it works, beta-agonists are divided into 3 types, namely fast-acting (short-acting beta agonist / SABA), slow-acting (long-acting beta-agonist / LABA), and very slow-acting (ultra-long-acting beta-agonist / ultra LABA). Fast-acting beta-agonists can be used to treat asthma attacks or sudden narrowing of the airways. While slow-acting beta-agonists are used to prevent or reduce the frequency of recurrence of asthma or COPD.

Precautions Before Using Beta Agonists

Follow the doctor's recommendations and advice while undergoing treatment with beta-agonists. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points: Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Beta-agonists should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have or have had diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, glaucoma, or hypokalemia. Carry out the control according to the schedule given by the doctor. You will need to have your blood sugar and blood pressure checked regularly while taking beta-agonists. Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using a beta-agonist.

Beta Agonist Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects of beta-agonists can vary depending on the type of drug. However, in general, there are some side effects that can occur after using drugs that are included in beta-agonists, namely: Cough. Headache, dizziness, or migraine. Sore throat. Nausea or vomiting. Feeling nervous or restless

Heart palpitations or fast heart rate

The use of certain types of beta-agonists can also increase the risk of respiratory tract infections. Check with your doctor if the side effects mentioned above appear. You should also see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to your medication or a more serious side effect, such as Dizziness so heavy that you faint. Narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm) that comes on suddenly and gets worse. Chest pain, fast, irregular heartbeat, or palpitations. Cramps or muscle weakness. Some types of beta-agonists can also increase the risk of hypokalemia, which is low levels of potassium in the blood.

Types, Trademarks, and Dosage of Beta Agonists

The following are the types of drugs that are included in the beta-agonist class, along with their trademarks and dosages:

1. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA)

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) are a type of beta-agonist that works quickly, so they can be used to treat attacks of respiratory narrowing due to asthma or COPD that occur suddenly. This drug can work immediately within minutes and the effect lasts for 4-6 hours. Some examples of drugs that belong to the SABA group are:

Salbutamol

Drug form: Inhaler. Trademarks: Astharol, Azmacon, Fartolin, Glisend, Salbuven, Suprasma, Velutine

Terbutaline

Drug forms: Tablets, caplets, syrups, inhalers, respules, and injections. Trademarks: Astherin, Bricasma, Forasma, Lasmalin, Molasma, Nairet, Neosma

2. Long-acting beta-agonist (LABA)

A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) is a type of beta-agonist whose drug effects can last as long as 12 hours. This medicine can be used 1-2 times a day. Some examples of drugs that fall into the LABA group are:

Formoterol

Drug form: Inhaler and nebulizer solution. Trademarks: Innovair, Symbicort, Genuair Duaklir

Olodaterol

Drug form: Inhaler. Trademarks: Infortispir Respimat, Spiolto Respimat, Striverdi Respimat.

Salmeterol

Drug form: Inhaler. Trademarks: Flutias, Respitide, Salmeflo, Seretide Diskus

Procaterol

Drug form: Inhaler, tablet, and syrup. Trademarks: Asterol, Ataroc, Meptin, Sesma

Vilanterol

Drug form: Inhaler. Trademark: -

Vilanterol is available in combination with fluticasone. The dosage of this preparation to control symptoms of COPD or asthma is 1 inhale which is equivalent to 25 mcg/100 mcg (vilanterol/fluticasone) once daily.

3. Ultra Long-Acting Beta-Agonist (Ultra PROFIT)

Ultra long-acting beta-agonist (Ultra LABA) is a beta-agonist whose therapeutic effect can last for 24 hours. This medication is generally used once a day. Examples of Ultra PROFIT are:

Indacaterol

Drug form: Inhaler. Trademarks: Onbrez Breezhaler, Ultibro Breezhaler

References:

- Nino, G., Rodríguez-Martínez, C. E., & Castro-Rodriguez, J. A. (2020). The Use of Β2-Adrenoreceptor Agonists in Viral Bronchiolitis: Scientific Rationale Beyond Evidence-Based Guidelines. ERJ Open Research, 6(4), pp. 00135–02020.

- Sobieraj, et al. (2018). Association of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Long-Acting β-Agonists as Controller and Quick Relief Therapy with Exacerbations and Symptom Control in Persistent Asthma. JAMA, 319(14), pp. 1485–1496.
- Billington, et al. (2017). Beta-Agonists. Handb Exp Pharmacol, 237, pp. 23-40.
- MedicineNet (2019). Bronchodilators (Drug Class).
- MedicineNet (2017). Medical Definition of Beta-agonist.
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Beta2-Agonist (Bronchodilators) Definition.
- Drugbank (2021). Procaterol.