Bronchodilators: What They Do, Medicines
Bronchodilators are medicines that relax and widen the airways so that breathing becomes easier. The quick-acting inhaler types, such as salbutamol and levosalbutamol, are used to relieve wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness in asthma and some other lung conditions. They relieve symptoms but do not treat the inflammation behind asthma. Needing a reliever more often than usual is a reason to speak to a doctor.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Bronchodilators work?
Quick-acting bronchodilators attach to beta-2 receptors on the muscle around the airways. This makes the muscle relax, the airways open wider, and air moves more easily in and out of the lungs.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Bronchodilators. They are listed A to Z.
- Levosalbutamol: Levosalbutamol is a quick-acting medicine that opens the airways.
- Salbutamol: Salbutamol is a quick-acting medicine that opens the airways.
Common questions
Is a reliever inhaler the same as a preventer inhaler?
No. A reliever (bronchodilator) opens the airways quickly when symptoms appear. A preventer, usually an inhaled steroid, is used regularly to calm inflammation in the airways. Many people with asthma need both. Do not stop a preventer because the reliever helps; ask your doctor.
What if I need my reliever inhaler more often than usual?
Needing a reliever more often than usual, or at night, can mean asthma is not well controlled. Contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse so treatment can be reviewed. If breathing becomes very difficult, or the inhaler does not help, get emergency medical help immediately.
Should I have my inhaler technique checked?
Yes. Many people do not get the full dose from an inhaler if the technique is not right. Follow the pack leaflet and your doctor's instructions, and ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist to watch you use it, including with a spacer if one was prescribed.
Sources
- Salbutamol inhaler. NHS (UK)
- How and when to use salbutamol inhalers. NHS (UK)
- XOPENEX HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) inhalation aerosol: prescribing information. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: R03AC Selective beta-2-adrenoreceptor agonists. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology