Safety and efficacy of beta agonists
- Resource Type
- Authors
- James F, Donohue
- Source
- Respiratory care. 53(5)
- Subject
- Polymorphism, Genetic
Administration, Inhalation
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
Genetic Variation
Humans
Bronchi
Adrenergic beta-Agonists
Glucocorticoids
Asthma
- Language
- ISSN
- 0020-1324
Both short-acting and long-acting beta agonists have been used for many years for the treatment of asthma. Short-acting beta agonists are life-saving and their role as rescue agents is unquestioned, but regular use is not recommended because of safety concerns and the effectiveness of asthma-controller medications. Long-acting beta agonists are effective controller medications but have safety issues, so their use should be restricted to patients who are not optimally controlled on first-line controllers such as inhaled corticosteroids. The effect of the beta receptor genotype on beta agonist response is unclear but could hold promise for proper patient management.