Bronchodilators drugs name
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Bronchodilator Drugs: Names and Classes
Bronchodilators are essential medications used to manage respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. This article provides an overview of the main classes of bronchodilators and some specific drug names within each class.
β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists (β2-AR Agonists)
Short-Acting β2-Agonists (SABAs)
Short-acting β2-agonists are used for quick relief of asthma symptoms. They act rapidly to relax airway muscles.
- Isoproterenol: Known for its rapid onset but shorter duration of action3.
- Isoetharine: Often included in combination inhalers for its bronchodilating properties8.
Long-Acting β2-Agonists (LABAs)
Long-acting β2-agonists are used for maintenance therapy in asthma and COPD. They provide prolonged bronchodilation.
- Indacaterol: A once-daily LABA used for COPD1 7.
- Olodaterol: Another once-daily LABA, often used in combination with other bronchodilators1 7.
- Vilanterol: Typically combined with other medications for enhanced efficacy1 7.
Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (SAMAs)
Short-acting muscarinic antagonists provide quick relief by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to bronchodilation.
- Ipratropium Bromide: Effective in both asthma and chronic bronchitis, with a longer duration of action compared to isoproterenol3.
Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMAs)
Long-acting muscarinic antagonists are used for long-term control of COPD.
- Tiotropium Bromide: A once-daily LAMA with a duration of action extending up to 32 hours4.
- Glycopyrronium Bromide: Another once-daily LAMA under development for COPD1 7.
- Umeclidinium Bromide: Used in combination with other bronchodilators for enhanced effect1 7.
Combination Therapies
LABA/LAMA Combinations
Combining LABAs and LAMAs can provide superior bronchodilation by targeting different pathways.
- Indacaterol/Glycopyrronium: A fixed-dose combination providing dual bronchodilation7.
- Umeclidinium/Vilanterol: Another combination used for COPD management7.
- Olodaterol/Tiotropium: Combines the effects of both drugs for improved symptom control7.
Triple Inhalers
Triple inhalers combine LABAs, LAMAs, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for comprehensive management of COPD and asthma.
- LABA/LAMA/ICS Combinations: These inhalers are designed to simplify treatment regimens and improve adherence2.
Novel and Emerging Bronchodilators
New Drug Classes
Research is ongoing to develop new classes of bronchodilators with improved efficacy and safety profiles.
- TMEM16A Antagonists: Niclosamide and nitazoxanide have been identified as potent TMEM16A antagonists, offering a new mechanism for bronchodilation, especially in severe asthma10.
- Bifunctional Drugs: These drugs combine two different pharmacological actions in one molecule, such as muscarinic antagonism and β2-agonism, to provide additive or synergistic bronchodilation2 9.
Conclusion
Bronchodilators are a cornerstone in the management of asthma and COPD. The main classes include β2-adrenoceptor agonists, muscarinic receptor antagonists, and combination therapies. Ongoing research continues to explore novel bronchodilators and combination therapies to improve patient outcomes and adherence.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are crucial in treating airway disorders, with new and emerging classes aiming to simplify treatment regimens and improve adherence.
Highly CitedPharmacology and Therapeutics of Bronchodilators Revisited
Recent research reveals that optimizing bronchodilation through both autonomic nervous system effects can improve asthma and COPD treatment, with potential for bifunctional drugs.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedBronchodilator action of the anticholinergic drug, ipratropium bromide (Sch 1000), as an aerosol in chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Ipratropium bromide is an effective bronchodilator for both asthma and chronic bronchitis, with optimal doses of 40 to 80 mcg, and shows prolonged efficacy compared to isoproterenol.
RCTHighly CitedTiotropium bromide, a new long-acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator: a pharmacodynamic study in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dutch Study Group.
Tiotropium bromide is a safe and long-acting bronchodilator with a clear dose-response relationship in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
RCTHighly CitedSteroids and bronchodilators for acute bronchiolitis in the first two years of life: systematic review and meta-analysis
Adrenaline is the most effective and superior treatment for acute bronchiolitis in children aged less than 2 years, with combined dexamethasone and adrenaline showing promising results.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDual combination therapy versus long-acting bronchodilators alone for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Dual combination therapy with long-acting bronchodilators (LABA/LAMA combination) is more effective and safe than LABA alone for controlling symptoms and preventing exacerbations in people with moderate to severe COPD.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedBronchodilating drugs for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: current status and future trends.
Inhaled bronchodilators are the mainstay of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with new LAMA and LABA drugs in development, and fixed dose combinations offering convenience and potential synergistic effects.
Highly CitedControlled Study of a New Inhalant in Asthma and Bronchitis
Bronchilator is a safe and effective inhalant for treating asthma and bronchitis, with no significant side-effects compared to isoprenaline and a placebo aerosol.
RCTNovel bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Novel bronchodilators, such as once-daily combinations, show potential for improved compliance and better treatment outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedDrug Repurposing: The Anthelmintics Niclosamide and Nitazoxanide Are Potent TMEM16A Antagonists That Fully Bronchodilate Airways
Niclosamide and nitazoxanide are potent TMEM16A antagonists that fully bronchodilate airways, offering a new treatment for severe asthma and COPD patients.
In Vitro StudyHighly Cited