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Beta2-Agonists for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Prescription beta2-agonists
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| albuterol (short-acting) | Proventil (prescription), Ventolin (prescription) |
| arformoterol (long-acting) | Brovana (prescription) |
| formoterol (long-acting) | Foradil (prescription), Perforomist (prescription) |
| levalbuterol (short-acting) | Xopenex (prescription) |
| metaproterenol (short-acting) | |
| pirbuterol (short-acting) | Maxair (prescription) |
| salmeterol (long-acting) | Serevent (prescription) |
| terbutaline (short-acting) |
Prescription long-acting beta2-agonist and corticosteroid combination
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| formoterol and budesonide | Symbicort (prescription) |
| salmeterol and fluticasone | Advair (prescription) |
Prescription short-acting beta2-agonist and anticholinergic combination
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| albuterol and ipratropium | Combivent (prescription), DuoNeb (prescription) |
Beta2-agonists are available in metered-dose inhaler (MDI), nebulizer, pill, injected, and syrup forms. Some beta2-agonists may be available in multiple forms. Your doctor will help you decide which form is best for you.
There are 2 types of beta2-agonists: short-acting and long-acting. The short-acting type relieves symptoms and the long-acting type helps prevent breathing problems. Short-acting beta2-agonists are used for treating stable COPD in a person whose symptoms come and go (intermittent symptoms). Long-acting beta2-agonists are effective and convenient for preventing and treating COPD in a person whose symptoms do not go away (persistent symptoms).
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Ken Y. Yoneda, MD - Pulmonology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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