Questions about inhaled beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists in asthma.
The safety of the most widely prescribed antiasthma drugs, beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists, has recently been questioned. Issues such as their suitability for long-term and regular prophylactic use are addressed in this Comment article by Peter Barnes and Fan Chung, who examine the possibility that the beta 2-agonists themselves contribute to worsening symptoms in asthma patients, thus setting up a vicious circle with greater use of the drugs. They conclude that it would be prudent to restrict the use of beta 2-agonists in asthma to on-demand immediate symptom control.
Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK.
P J
PJ
Barnes
K F
KF
Chung
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists