How Do Beta2 Agonists Work?

Reviewed on1/12/2022

How do beta2 agonists work?

Beta2 agonists are bronchodilators that easebreathingdifficulties caused by bronchial conditions such as bronchospasm,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), andasthma. Beta2 agonists relax bronchial smooth muscles and inhibit hypersensitivity reactionsinthe bronchial passage.

Beta2 agonists, also known as long-acting beta2 agonists (LABAs), enhance the activity of beta2 adrenergic receptors, which areproteinparticles oncellmembranes. Beta2 receptors activateintracellularactivity when stimulated byepinephrine, a naturalhormonein the body.

Beta2 receptors are abundant inairwaysmooth muscles and are also present in many other parts of the body including theheart, uterine andskeletalmuscles,mucousglands, and many types ofimmunecells such as mast cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes.

When stimulated by beta2 agonists, beta2 receptors stimulate adenyl cyclase, anenzymeinvolved in the regulation ofsmooth musclefunction. Adenyl cyclase increases the intracellular levels of cyclicadenosinemonophosphate (cAMP), asubstanceimportant for downstream signaling within the cell.

An increase in cAMP levels relaxes the bronchial smooth muscles and dilates the airway. Adenyl cyclase also inhibits the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells that are part of the first-line immune defense which play a prime role in initiating immediate hypersensitivity reactions common in asthma attacks.

Beta2 agonists may also be combined with other types of medications that include:

  • Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are potentanti-inflammatory agents that work on many types of immune cells tocontrolinflammation.
  • Respiratoryanticholinergics: Respiratory anticholinergics relax bronchial muscles by blocking the activity ofacetylcholine, aneurotransmitterthatnerveendings secrete to make muscles contract. Anticholinergics also reducemucussecretion in the respiratory passage and improve lung function.

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How are beta2 agonists used?

Beta2 agonists are available in various strengths and formulations that include:

  • Oralinhalations in the form of powders, aerosolized tiny particles or droplets, and solutions nebulized into a fine mist. Many types of inhalation devices such as metered dose inhalers and nebulizers are available onprescription.
  • 平板电脑
  • Syrups
  • Intravenous(IV) injections

Beta2 agonists are used in the treatment of the following conditions:

FDA-approved:

Off-Label:

Orphan designation:

What are side effects of beta2 agonists?

Side effects of beta2 agonists may include the following:

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with yourdoctororpharmacistto make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking yourmedicationand never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

QUESTION

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma.See Answer

What are names of beta2 agonist drugs?

Genericand brand names of beta2agonistdrugs include:

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References
https://reference.medscape.com/drugs/beta2-agonists

https://www.oindpnews.com/2020/03/fda-lists-arcapta-seebri-and-utibron-neohalers-as-discontinued/

https://ehlersdanlosnews.com/2020/03/26/fda-denies-acers-appeal-for-edsivo-a-potential-vascular-eds-therapy/

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/phase-out-maxair-autohaler-questions-and-answers

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559069/

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