Choosing a bronchodilator for asthma therapy: the role of rapid onset of action.
National guidelines for the treatment of asthma recommend anti-inflammatory corticosteroids or cromolyn in patients with mild to moderate disease.  A comparison of different bronchodilators demonstrates that beta-adrenergic-receptor agonists, specifically those selective for beta 2 receptors in the airways, are the safest and most effective agents for "rescue" during acute attacks.  Because rapid onset of action is a clear advantage for the reversal of bronchoconstriction, a fast-acting agent such as albuterol is preferable to a slow-acting agent such as fenoterol or salmeterol.
University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs.
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Nightingale
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013256:Steroids; D014481:United States