OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology of the long-acting inhaled @entity2263 -agonists, @entity10453 and @entity6410 , summarize results of their clinical trials, evaluate their safety records, and discuss their roles in the treatment of @entity565 . DATA SOURCES: Preclinical and clinical studies involving @entity10453 or @entity6410 were identified by a MEDLINE search, weekly computerized literature updates, and manual searches. Studies of satisfactory quality were chosen for review. DATA SYNTHESIS: @entity10453 and @entity6410 are potent and selective @entity2162 agonists with durations of action >12 h. Their major differences are that @entity6410 has a rapid onset of action and is a partial agonist of high intrinsic efficacy, whereas @entity10453 has a delayed onset and is a partial agonist of low intrinsic efficacy. Twice daily use of either drug results in improved lung function, reduced symptoms, and a better quality of life. These agents protect against exercise-induced @entity565 for 12 h and eliminate nighttime awakening in most @entity1 . Limited tolerance develops, especially to their bronchoprotective effects, but their improvement of lung function is sustained. CONCLUSIONS: Regular use of @entity10453 or @entity6410 provides subjective and objective amelioration of @entity565 in @entity1 experiencing excessive symptoms or physiologic impairment despite the regular administration of low doses of inhaled @entity288 (equivalent to approximately 500 microg/d of @entity2715 ). Intermittent use of either long-acting @entity2263 -agonist can provide prolonged protection against exercise-induced @entity565 or nighttime symptoms. @entity1 should be instructed to continue taking inhaled @entity230 when long-acting @entity2263 -agonists are administered on a regular schedule and to not take long-acting @entity2263 -agonists between regularly scheduled doses. Used properly, they are effective and safe adjunctive agents in the treatment of @entity565 .

Long-acting inhaled XXXX -agonists in @entity565 therapy.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients'] @entity230 :: ('MESH:D013256', 'Chemical') :: ['steroids'] @entity2162 :: ('154', 'Gene') :: ['beta2-adrenoceptor'] @entity2715 :: ('MESH:D001507', 'Chemical') :: ['beclomethasone'] @entity565 :: ('MESH:D001249', 'Disease') :: ['asthma'] @entity10453 :: ('MESH:C057823', 'Chemical') :: ['salmeterol', 'Salmeterol'] @entity2263 :: ('10242', 'Gene') :: ['beta2'] @entity6410 :: ('MESH:C012629', 'Chemical') :: ['formoterol'] @entity288 :: ('MESH:D000305', 'Chemical') :: ['corticosteroids']
@entity2263 :: (10242,Gene) :: ['beta2']
