ATC Group: R03C Adrenergics for systemic use

Arformoterol, the (R,R)-enantiomer of formoterol, is a selective long-acting beta₂-adrenergic receptor agonist (beta₂-agonist) that has two-fold greater potency than racemic formoterol (which contains both the (S,S) and (R,R)-enantiomers). The (S,S)-enantiomer is about 1,000-fold less potent as a beta₂-agonist than the (R,R)-enantiomer. The pharmacologic effects of beta₂-adrenoceptor agonist drugs, including arformoterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase.

Bambuterol is an active precursor of the selective β₂-adrenergic agonist terbutaline. Bambuterol is the bis-N,N-dimethyl-carbamate of terbutaline. Bambuterol is a remarkably selective and potent inhibitor of cholinesterase. Bambuterol is indicated for the management of asthma, bronchospasm and/or reversible airways obstruction.

Clenbuterol is a direct-acting β2 sympathomimetic agent for the treatment of chronic obstructive airway diseases.

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine acting directly on the alpha and beta receptors and indirectly by increasing the release of noradrenaline by the sympathetic nerve endings. As with any sympathomimetic agent, ephedrine stimulates the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the sphincters of the digestive and urinary systems.

Isoprenaline is a potent non selective beta-adrenergic agonist with low affinity for alphaadrenergic receptors. Isoprenaline acts primarily on the heart and on smooth muscle of bronchi, skeletal muscle vasculature and the gastrointestinal tract.

Methoxyphenamine is a beta adrenergic receptor agonist nd is used as a bronchodilator to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and postinfectious cough.

Orciprenaline sulphate is a bronchodilating agent. The bronchospasm associated with various pulmonary diseases-chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma, silicosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and carcinoma of the lung, has been successfully reversed by therapy with orciprenaline sulphate.

Procaterol is an intermediate-acting β2 adrenoreceptor agonist used for the treatment of dyspnea caused by bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema.

Salbutamol is a selective β₂-agonist providing short-acting (4-6 hour) bronchodilation with a fast onset (within 5 minutes) in reversible airways obstruction. At therapeutic doses it acts on the β₂-adrenoceptors of bronchial muscle. Salbutamol is administered for the symptomatic relief of bronchospasm associated with chronic or acute asthma, bronchitis or other obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Terbutaline is a selective beta₂-adrenoceptor agonist, thus producing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, inhibition of the release of endogenous spasmogens, inhibitions of oedema caused by endogenous mediators, increased mucociliary clearance and relaxation of the uterine muscle.