Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are drugs that open up (dilate) the breathing passages by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscle. They make breathing easier for people with asthma or other lung conditions.

Bronchodilators include short acting beta2-agonists such as albuterol, long-acting beta2-agonists (such as salmeterol, formoterol), anticholinergic agents (eg, ipratropium) and theophylline.

Short acting bronchodilators are used when needed for quick relief of asthma symptoms and long acting bronchodilators are used regularly to control the symptoms of asthma.