Single-isomer beta-agonists.
A new generation of bronchodilators is being developed for acute asthma management-single-isomer beta-agonists. These drugs consist only of the active bronchodilatory isomer (eutomer); they do not have the inactive and potentially harmful isomer (distomer) that is present in marketed racemic beta-agonists. Clinical studies comparing the effectiveness of (R)-albuterol (levalbuterol) with racemic albuterol established a strong rationale for using single-isomer beta-agonists in place of the racemic mixture: reduced dosages provide equivalent bronchodilatory effects with fewer beta-mediated side effects. Higher dosages achieve superior bronchodilation in episodes of severe asthma and may reduce costs of emergency department treatment.
Handley
D A
DA
Sepracor, Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752, USA.
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000420:Albuterol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000420:Albuterol; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate