Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
Long-acting beta agonists are bronchodilator (brong-koh-DIE-lay-tur) drugs that open airways and decrease swelling for at least 12 hours. They are used regularly to manage mild or severe asthma and to prevent nighttime symptoms. They are highly effective and are associated with severe asthma attacks. This is why LABAs are only administered in combination with inhaled corticosteroids.
The most commonly used LABAs for asthma include:
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Formoterol
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Salmeterol (Serevent)
Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)
Long-acting muscarinic antagonists are bronchodilators. They are often combined with an inhaled corticosteroid. They can also be used with a LABA and an inhaled corticosteroid. Your healthcare provider may add the LAMA tiotropium (Spiriva Respimat) to your treatment plan if you have severe asthma.