A bronchodilator is a medication intended to improve bronchial airflow. Treatment of bronchial asthma is the most common application of these drugs. They are also intended to help expand the airways and improve the breathing capacity of patients with emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis. Pharmaceutically bronchodilators belong to β-2 mimetics - they act on β-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and bronchial mucous membranes. Bronchodilators, particularly non-prescription ones, are often misused as stimulants. A common side effect of these medications is desensitization, which may produce refractory bronchospasm. Oral medication A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition. ... Asthma is an immunological disease which causes difficulty in breathing. ... Pneumonia is an illness of the lungs and respiratory system in which the alveoli (microscopic air-filled sacs of the lung responsible for absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere) become inflamed and flooded with fluid. ... Bronchitis is an obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs. ... Pharmacology (in Greek: pharmacon (φάρμακον) meaning drug, and logos (λόγος) meaning science) is the study of how chemical substances interact with living systems. ... In biochemistry, a receptor is a protein on the cell membrane or within the cytoplasm or cell nucleus that binds to a specific molecule (a ligand), such as a neurotransmitter, hormone, or other substance, and initiates the cellular response to the ligand. ... A stimulant is a drug that increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and produces a sense of euphoria or the feeling of being more awake. ... An adverse drug reaction (abbreviated ADR) is a term to describe the unwanted, negative consequences sometimes associated with the use of medications. ... Desensitization is a method to reduce or eliminate an organisms negative reaction to a substance or stimulus. ... Difficulty in breathing caused by a sudden constriction of the muscles in the wall of the bronchi. ...

Bronchodilators are either short acting or long acting. Short-acting medications provide quick or "rescue" relief from acute bronchoconstriction. Long-acting bronchodilators help to control and prevent symptoms. The three types of bronchodilators are beta2-agonists (short and long acting), anticholinergics (short acting), and theophylline (long acting). Bronchoconstriction is the constriction of the airways in the lungs due to the tighting of surrounding smooth muscle, with consequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. ... Theophylline is a methylxanthine drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as COPD or asthma under a variety of brand names. ...

Short-acting beta2-agonists These are quick-relief or "rescue" medications that provide fast, temporary relief from asthma symptoms or flare-ups. These medications usually take effect within 20 minutes or less, and can last from four to six hours. These inhaled medications are best for treating sudden and severe or new asthma symptoms. Taken 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time, these medications can also prevent asthma symptoms triggered by exercise or exposure to cold air. Patients who regularly or frequently need to take short-acting beta2-agonists should consult their doctor, as such usage indicates uncontrolled asthma, and their routine medications may need adjustment.

Long-acting beta2-agonists These are long-term medications taken routinely in order to control and prevent bronchoconstriction. They are not intended for fast relief. These medications take longer to begin working, but relieve airway constriction for up to 12 hours.

• Inhaled - Commonly taken twice a day with an anti-inflammatory medication, they maintain open airways and prevent asthma symptoms, particularly at night.
• Oral - Long-acting albuterol is available in pill or syrup form.

Effective for 12 hours, albuterol is particularly helpful for nighttime asthma symptoms. Because this medication requires high dosing, there tend to be increased side effects. Therefore it is not commonly prescribed. Side effects include increased heart rate, hyperactivity, feeling nervous, shaky, or over-excited, and very rarely, upset stomach or difficulty sleeping. Salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN) is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and COPD. It is marketed by the Allen & Hanburys respiratory division of GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Ventolin. ...

Anticholinergics Only available as an inhalant, ipratropium bromide relieves acute or new asthma symptoms. Because it has no effect on asthma symptoms when used alone, it is most often paired with a short-acting beta2-agonist.While it is considered a relief or rescue medication, it can take a full hour to begin working. For this reason it plays a minor role in asthma treatment. Dry throat is the most common side effect. If the medication gets in contact with the eyes, it may cause blurred vision for a brief time. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug (trade name: Atrovent®) administered by inhalation for the treatment of obstructive lung diseases. ...

Theophylline Available in oral and injectible form, theophylline is a long-acting bronchodilator that prevents asthma episodes.It is prescribed in severe cases of asthma or those that are difficult to control. It must be taken daily and doses cannot be missed. Blood tests are required to monitor therapy and to indicate when dosage adjustment is necessary.Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach or headache, rapid or irregular heart beat, muscle cramps, nervous or jittery feelings, and hyperactivity. These symptoms may signal the need for an adjustment in your medication.It may promote acid reflux, also known as GERD, by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Some medications, such as seizure and ulcer medications and antibiotics containing erythromycin, can interfere with the way theopylline works. Coffee, tea, colas, cigarette smoking, and viral illnesses can all affect the action of theopylline and change it effectiveness. Communicate any change related to these factors to your doctor so that the dose can be altered to fit the new conditions. Acid reflux redirects here. ... Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which has an antimicrobial spectrum similar to or slightly wider than that of penicillin, and is often used for people who have an allergy to penicillins. ...

Brand names of common bronchodilators :

• Ventolin (salbutamol)
• Primatene (epinephrine)
• Flixotide
• Serevent
• Accu-Hale
• Albuterol