Beta agonists or beta adrenergic agonists are a group of drugs used to relieve or control symptoms narrowing of the airways due to asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This group of drugs is one type of drug bronchodilator.
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.
According to how it works, beta agonists are divided into 3 types, namely fast acting (short acting beta agonist/SABA), slow working (long acting beta agonist/PROFIT), and very slow work (Ultra long acting beta agonist/ultra PROFIT).
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 effect, 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) is a type of beta agonist that works quickly, so it can be used to treat attacks of narrowing of the respiratory tract 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 class are:
Salbutamol
Drug form: Inhaler
Trademarks: Astharol, Azmacon, Fartolin, Glisend, Salbuven, Suprasma, Velutine
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the salbutamol drug page.
Terbutaline
Drug form: Tablets, caplets, syrups, inhalers, respule, and inject
Trademarks: Astherin, Bricasma, Forasma, Lasmalin, Molasma, Nairet, Neosma
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the terbutaline drug page.
2. long-Acting Beta-Agonist (PROFIT)
long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) is a type of beta agonist whose drug effects can last for 12 hours. This medicine can be used 1-2 times a day.
Some examples of drugs that fall into the LABA class are:
Formoterol
Drug form: Inhaler and nebulizer solution
Trademarks: Innovair, Symbicort, Genuair Duaklir
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the formoterol drug page.
Olodaterol
Drug form: Inhaler
Trademarks: Infortispir Respimat, Spiolto Respimat, Striverdi Respimat
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the olodaterol drug page.
Salmeterol
Drug form: Inhaler
Trademarks: Flutias, Respitide, Salmeflo, Seretide Diskus
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the salmeterol drug page.
Procaterol
Drug form: Inhaler, tablet and syrup
Trademarks: Asterol, Ataroc, Meptin, Sesma
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the procaterol drug page.
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
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the indaceterol drug page.
