Beta 2 agonist therapy: oral versus inhaled delivery.

Although there is a place for administering oral medication, the inhaled route of administration for both bronchodilator and prophylactic purposes has been definitely shown to be the preferred route in numerous studies. The rapid onset of action, equivalent activity, and reduction in systemic effects all should lead the clinician to this form of therapy. Care must be taken to ensure proper utilization of the different types of inhalational medication to optimize their effectiveness.