Beta-2 agonists (short-acting / SABAs)
- Rapid bronchodilators for acute symptoms
- Albuterol/levalbuterol most common
- Rescue in asthma/COPD bronchospasm
- Tremor, tachycardia, hypokalemia
- Frequent need = poor disease control
- Asthma should not rely on SABA alone
Class at a glance
- Rapid bronchodilators for acute symptoms
Members / distinctions
- Albuterol/levalbuterol most common
- Rescue in asthma/COPD bronchospasm
Practical pearls
- Tremor, tachycardia, hypokalemia
Other member distinctions
- Frequent need = poor disease control
- Asthma should not rely on SABA alone
Self-check
- What does frequent SABA need indicate?
Poor disease control. - Can asthma treatment rely on SABA alone?
No.
Drugs in this class (3)
Beta-2 agonists (short-acting / SABAs) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Asthma/COPD meds (1924–2026). Short-acting β₂ agonists highlighted from 1949.
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