Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators are bronchodilating drugs which are the basic drug therapy for obstructive lung diseases such as COPD and bronchial asthma. The preparations, which are mainly administered by inhalation, dilate the narrowed airways. Through inhalation, the active ingredient reaches the lungs directly, where it can exert its effect optimally. As important as bronchodilators are therapeutically, they all only have a symptomatic effect.

3 different groups of substances are used, each of which has a different mechanism of action and is often administered in combination:

beta2 sympathomimetics

• Short-acting beta2 sympathomimetics (SADA)
• Long-acting beta2 sympathomimetics (LADA)

Muscarinic receptor antagonists (parasympatholytics)

Methylxanthines(theophylline)

In combination with inhaled beta2 sympathomimetics, muscarinic receptor antagonists (e.g. ipratropium or tiotropium, aclidinium) have an additive effect. Muscarinic receptor antagonists have the greatest significance in the treatment of COPD. They have been described as less effective in bronchial asthma. The substances have a parasympathocytic effect, suppressing the inflammation caused by the different types of asthma. Muscarinic receptor subtypes. This also applies to bronchoconstriction, which is mainly mediated by the M3-receptor. They are exclusively applied by inhalation and topically.

Theophylline has a bronchospasmolytic and antiphlogistic effect. It is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and an adenosine receptor antagonist. Both effects explain its bronchospasmolytic activity.