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BETA2-AGONISTS
How they work
Beta2-agonists (bait-a-ag-o-nists) are bronchodilator (bronco-die-later) medicines that open airways by relaxing the airway muscles that tighten during an asthma episode.
How They’re Taken
Beta2-agonists come in several forms:
- These medicines can be inhaled using a metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer. They may also come as a powder-filled capsule that is inhaled by using a device called a dry powder inhaler. Inhaled medicines are the first choice. They begin to work within five minutes. The medicine goes right to the lungs and does not easily go into the rest of the body so there are fewer side effects. Inhaled beta2-agonists stop symptoms of asthma episodes and prevent asthma symptoms that are started by exercise. Talk to your doctor if you have to use the medicine every day or more than four times in a single day.
- These medicines may also come in liquid or tablet form. They begin to work in 30 minutes and last up to six hours.
- Shots are sometimes used in a doctor’s office or in an emergency room for severe episodes. They work very fast but only last 20 minutes.
Possible Side Effects
Beta2- agonists may cause side effects. Some side effects are common and then to go away as the body gets used to the medicine. These include:
- Fast heart beat
- Feeling shaky
- Feeling shaky
- Feeling anxious
- Nausea
Serious side effects are rare. Call you doctor right away if you have any of these side effects:
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heart beat
- Severe headache or feeling dizzy
- Very bed nausea or vomiting
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