Bronchodilator: Long-Acting Beta2-Agonist

What are these medicines used for?

Long-acting beta2-agonist medicines (LABAs) are used to prevent asthma symptoms. LABAs are also called a controller medicine, because by taking it regularly every day, it helps to control your child’s symptoms. Your child will take these medicines every day, even if your child is not having symptoms. They do not provide quick relief of wheezing in acute asthma attacks. For acute asthma attacks, your child will need a different type of medicine called a reliever.

Your child's asthma symptoms are caused by two different problems in the airways.

• One problem is that the muscles in the airways tighten up, which causes the feeling of chest tightness and wheezing.
• The other problem is swelling, irritation and too much mucus in the airways.

Your child's asthma symptoms often start after exposure to a trigger. Asthma triggers can include pollen, animals, mold, colds, exercise, cold air, and air pollutants. It is important for you and your child to know what things trigger your child's asthma so that your child can avoid those things or take his reliever medicine before being around a trigger.

Asthma symptoms come and go throughout the day or week and get better with medicine.

LABAs are always used with another type of controller medicine, usually an inhaled steroid. They should never be used as the only treatment for asthma. LABAs should only be used for a short period. Your child's healthcare provider may stop the LABAs once asthma symptoms are under control with other types of daily medicine.

How do they work?

LABAs relax the muscles in the airways and keep the muscles from getting too tight. By lessening the muscle tightness, your child will have fewer symptoms and be able to breathe better. Other medicines used along with LABAs can reduce the swelling and inflammation.

This medicine can be taken in different ways. For example:

• A hand-held device called a dry powder inhaler is small and easy for your child to carry. The inhaler helps send the medicine directly to your child’s lungs as he takes a deep breath.
• A nebulizer is a machine that your child uses at home. Medicine is mixed with liquid and the machine forms a mist. Your child will breathe in the mist to help get the medicine in to his lungs.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that your child takes. Tell all healthcare providers who treat your child about all of the products your child takes.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.