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Previous Volume 333:499-507 August 24, 1995 Number 8 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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Of the three classes of bronchodilators (₂-adrenergic–receptor agonists, methylxanthines, and anticholinergic agents), the ₂-adrenergic–receptor agonists produce the greatest bronchodilation in patients with bronchial asthma.¹ ₂-Adrenergic agonists are generally preferred both for the relief of acute symptoms^2,3 and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.⁴ The recent introduction of long-acting inhaled ₂-adrenergic agonists has overcome the principal shortcoming of the previously available drugs of this class, their limited duration of action. However, the possibility of adverse effects with regular use of ₂-adrenergic agonists has been raised.^5,6,7 In this article I shall review the pharmacology of the ₂-adrenergic agonists, examine potential adverse . . . [Full Text of this Article]

The ₂-Adrenergic Receptor

Classes of ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Routes of Administration

Non-Bronchodilator Actions of the ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Potential Adverse Reactions to ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Side Effects Due to Pharmacologic Actions of the Drugs

Side Effects That May Occur with Long-Term Administration

            Tolerance of ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

            Loss of Protection against Bronchoconstrictive Stimuli

            Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness

            Possible Mechanisms of the Adverse Effects of ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Clinical Problems Associated with ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Overview of Therapy

Regular Use of ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Long-Acting ₂-Adrenergic Bronchodilators

Special Considerations in the Clinical Use of ₂-Adrenergic Agonists

Conclusions

Source Information

From the Department of Medicine, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Nelson.

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