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What Are Some Common Bronchodilators?

Bronchodilators are inhaled through the mouth (adrenergic) or nose (parenteral) to open up the bronchial tubes to the lungs. Bronchodilators treat the symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

  1. Commonly Prescribed Bronchodilators

    • Common prescription bronchodilators include ipratropium (Atrovert), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprol), terbutaline (Brethine), albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), and epinephrine (Primatene).

    Adrenergic Bronchodilators

    • Salmeterol (Serevent Diskus) and formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer) help prevent asthma attacks but will not relieve asthma symptoms once an attack has already started.

    Parenteral Bronchodilators

    • Theophylline (Quibron-T), aminophylline (no brand name) and oxtriphylline (Choledyl, Choledyl SA) are the most common parenteral bronchodilators.

    Side Effects

    • Mild side effects of bronchodilators include rapid heartbeat, headache, nervousness and trembling. Severe side effects of bronchodilators include allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, hives, rash or swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat; tightness in the chest; throat irritation and a choking sensation.

    Availability

    • Most bronchodilators are available only as prescriptions; however, some forms of epinephrine are available over the counter.

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