Long-Acting Inhaled Beta Agonists

The development of long-acting inhaled beta agonists has resulted in a new class of asthma medication combining the unparalleled efficacy of beta₂-selective inhaled agents with the long duration of action previously achieved only by systemic bronchodilators. The two agents in this class are salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol. Salmeterol was introduced in the United States in April 1994 after several years of availability in Europe and has been enthusiastically embraced by both patients and physicians. Still, as with the shorter-acting beta agonists, concerns persist regarding salmeterol's safety. Formoterol still awaits Food and Drug Administration approval in the United States, but shares many of salmeterol's attributes.