Beta agonists

Beta agonists are a class of drugs that are primarily used for the treatment of asthma and other pulmonary diseases. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, thereby opening them up and making it easier for the patient to breathe.

Mechanism of action

Beta agonists work by binding to beta-2 adrenergic receptors on the surface of smooth muscle cells in the airways. This binding triggers a cascade of events inside the cell that ultimately leads to the relaxation of the smooth muscle. This relaxation opens up the airways, allowing more air to flow in and out of the lungs.

Types of beta agonists

There are two main types of beta agonists: short-acting and long-acting. Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) provide quick relief from symptoms and are often used as a "rescue" medication during an asthma attack. Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), on the other hand, are used for ongoing management of asthma and other chronic pulmonary diseases.

Side effects

Like all drugs, beta agonists can have side effects. Common side effects include tachycardia (fast heart rate), tremor, and anxiety. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects like arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood).

Contraindications

Beta agonists should not be used in patients with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), certain types of heart disease, and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).

See also

• Asthma
• COPD
• Bronchodilator
• Beta-2 adrenergic receptor