Inhaled β2-Agonists in the Treatment of Asthma

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Abstract
The introduction of selective, potent inhaled β2-agonists more than 30 years ago revolutionized the treatment of asthma. Until that time, nonselective sympathomimetic agents, such as ephedrine and epinephrine, which stimulate both α- and β-adrenergic receptors and have a very short duration of action, were used to relieve bronchoconstriction. The selective inhaled β2-agonists, such as terbutaline and albuterol, have a longer duration of action (four to six hours), are potent bronchodilators, relieve symptoms rapidly, and protect against the acute bronchoconstriction caused by stimuli such as exercise1 or the inhalation of cold, dry air.2 For these reasons, in . . .