Long-acting beta-agonists or LABA, like other medication treatment methods, are responsible for clearing and opening narrowed airways and prevent asthma attacks. LABAs are basically the class of bronchodilator drugs that are responsible for relaxation of tight muscle lining the airways.
This class of drugs may be in the form of inhalers, nebulizers, and intravenous injections. LABA used in case of long-term procedures only. LABAs comprises of combination drugs, salmeterol, formoterol, inhalers, and nebulizers. Combination drugs comprise of Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort as the most common drugs. Medications in the form of tablets and capsules use Salmeterol and Formoterol are the most common drug and also are the main component in the formulations of inhalers and nebulizers. Perforomist is a type of drug used most commonly in nebulizers. Albuterol, Budesonide, Sulfate, Fumarate, Salmeterol, and Perforomist are the most common and economical drugs available in India. However, LABAs are mainly used as combination drugs that comprise drugs of both bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid. The most common and economical combination drugs for LABA in India are:
- Budesonide with Formoterol
- Fluticasone, Propionate, and Salmeterol
- Fluticasone with Salmeterol; and
- Mometasone with Formoterol.
Thus, the most common long-acting beta-agonists are Formoterol, Salmeterol, and Fluticasone available in the form of inhalers, nebulizers and tablets/capsules. Indacaterol with Glycopyrronium is, however, the most preferred drug of LABAs among Indian patients.
