Medications at a Glance

SABA

SABA

Fast Onset

SABA — Short-Acting β₂ Agonist

Onset: minutes (rapid) • Duration: ~4–6 h
Use: Acute bronchospasm; pre-exercise (EIB) 5–20 min prior
Examples: Albuterol, Levalbuterol
Adverse: Tremor, tachycardia, hypokalemia (high doses)
Frequent use suggests poor control → step-up controller

SAMA

SAMA

Fast Onset

SAMA — Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist

Onset: minutes • Duration: 4–6 h
Use: COPD exacerbations (often with SABA); asthma adjunct in ED
Example: Ipratropium
Adverse: Dry mouth, urinary retention; glaucoma risk with neb mask leaks

LABA

LABA

Maintenance

LABA — Long-Acting β₂ Agonist

Onset: variable (formoterol rapid) • Duration: 12–24 h
Use: Maintenance (COPD; asthma only with ICS)
Examples: Salmeterol, Formoterol, Vilanterol
Safety: Should not be used alone in asthma

LAMA

LAMA

Maintenance

LAMA — Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist

Onset: 30–60 min • Duration: ≈24 h
Use: COPD maintenance; add-on for asthma uncontrolled on ICS/LABA
Examples: Tiotropium, Umeclidinium, Glycopyrrolate
Adverse: Dry mouth, urinary retention; caution in narrow-angle glaucoma

ICS

ICS

Controller Rinse mouth

ICS — Inhaled Corticosteroid

Onset: days–weeks to max effect • Role: controller
Use: Asthma controller; ↓ inflammation & exacerbations; step-up if eos ≥ 300
Examples: Budesonide, Fluticasone, Beclomethasone, Mometasone
Safety: Thrush/dysphonia (rinse); systemic effects at high dose

Scenarios

Use arrows or swipe; select meds above, then grade.

1 / 10

EIB — Pre-exercise

Prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). Which medication prior to exercise?