Beta-2 agonists can have side effects, such as anxiety, tremor, palpitations or fast heart rate, and low potassium. The anticholinergic agents act on a different type of nerves than the beta-2 agonists to achieve a similar relaxation and opening of the airway passages. These two groups of bronchodilator inhalers when used together can produce an enhanced bronchodilation effect. Iprotropium takes longer to work as compared with the beta-2 agonists, with peak effectiveness occurring two hours after intake and lasting six hours. Anticholinergic agents can also be very helpful medications for patients with emphysema.
Corticosteroids can improve lung function and reduce airway obstruction over time.
The ideal dose of corticosteroids is still unknown. The side-effects of inhaled corticosteroids include hoarseness, loss of voice, and oral yeast infections. Early use of inhaled corticosteroids may prevent irreversible damage to the airways. Exactly how cromolyn works to prevent asthma needs further research. Cromolyn is not a corticosteroid and is usually not associated with significant side effects.