The long-acting forms of beta 2-agonists are used to provide control— NOT QUICK RELIEF — of asthma. These drugs take longer to begin to work, but their effects last longer, even up to 12 hours. The long acting forms are designed to be almost exclusively used in conjunction with an inhaled steroid and often come in the same inhaler as a combination product (Advair, Symbicort). Long acting bronchodilators should be used exactly how your doctor prescribes them, usually once or twice a day and on long term basis. Advair (combines salmeterol, a beta 2-agonist and fluticasone, an anti-inflammatory drug) Serevent (salmeterol) Foradil (fomoterol)