Nightingale C H
University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs.
Adv Ther. 1994 Mar-Apr;11(2):78-84.
National guidelines for the treatment of asthma recommend anti-inflammatory corticosteroids or cromolyn in patients with mild to moderate disease. A comparison of different bronchodilators demonstrates that beta-adrenergic-receptor agonists, specifically those selective for beta 2 receptors in the airways, are the safest and most effective agents for "rescue" during acute attacks. Because rapid onset of action is a clear advantage for the reversal of bronchoconstriction, a fast-acting agent such as albuterol is preferable to a slow-acting agent such as fenoterol or salmeterol.
