Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA): Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 6 long-acting beta-2 agonist (laba) substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) on iMedic (6 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formatris Novolizer | Asthma, COPD | Formoterol via Novolizer dry powder inhaler — selective beta-2 adrenergic agonis | 6-12 mcg twice daily via inhalation |
| Hirobriz Breezhaler | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | Ultra-long-acting selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist producing sustain | 150-300 mcg inhaled once daily |
| Oslif Breezhaler | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Long-acting selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth mu | 150-300 mcg inhaled once daily |
| Salmeterol | Asthma, COPD | Selective long-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist causing bronchial smoot | 50 mcg twice daily inhaled |
| Serevent Evohaler | Asthma, COPD | Salmeterol is a long-acting selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist causing | 50 mcg twice daily via inhaler |
| Striverdi Respimat | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | Selective long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth mu | 5 mcg (2 inhalations of 2.5 mcg) once daily via Respimat inhaler |
About Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)?
Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 6 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.