Beta-2 receptor agonists in asthma: a comparison.

Sympathomimetic bronchodilators with preferential specificity for the beta-2 receptor subtype are routinely used in asthma therapy. In addition to their ability to dilate bronchial smooth muscle following beta-2 receptor stimulation, these agents also inhibit mast cell mediator release and alter airway responsiveness. The importance of this class of drugs in asthma therapy has prompted the development of multiple asthma agents with the hope of achieving greater beta-2 receptor specificity, a quicker onset or more prolonged duration of action, a greater peak effect, or fewer side effects. This review compares the beta-2 agonists, as a group, with other asthma medications and, when data are available, makes comparison among various drugs within the group.