A brief review of sympathomimetic bronchodilators and a description of a new selective agent, rimiterol hydrobromide.

The development of beta2-specific sympathomimetic bronchodilators (rimiterol, salbutamol, terbutaline) has made the basic treatment of asthmatic patients more safe and effective. Despite that, the asthmatics should be under careful control and all patients should be taught the correct way to use their bronchodilator aerosols. If a sympathomimetic drug has lost its effectiveness, the patient should be able to have easy contact to the treating physician or outpatient department.