types of anticholinergics
Because these medicines may take some time to have an effect on breathing, they usually are taken on a regular schedule. They are used for both short- and long-term relief of symptoms. There are two types of anticholinergics: short-acting and long-acting. The short-acting type relieves symptoms and the long-acting type helps prevent breathing problems. Short-acting anticholinergics are used for treating stable COPD in a person whose symptoms come and go (intermittent symptoms).