Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are a class of bronchodilators used to treat asthma symptoms quickly. They’re primarily inhaled via a rescue inhaler or a nebulizer.
SABA medications work by relaxing the
While SABAs are an important part of any asthma treatment plan, they shouldn’t be relied on as your primary form of treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about SABAs, how they’re used, and when you should consider other medications to help manage your asthma.
SABA medications are an effective way to immediately relieve airflow obstruction in people with asthma. They can provide relief for up to
The class of medications in SABAs are beta-2 agonists. These work by targeting beta-2 receptors in the lining of the bronchial tubes, helping them relax and widen to increase airflow.
A doctor may also recommend a SABA medication to help prevent asthma attacks. During an asthma attack, your airways become inflamed and constrict, making it harder to breathe. Symptoms of an asthma attack include:
Most asthma attacks are mild and can be treated with a SABA medication at home. However, how long they last can depend on what’s triggering them, such as stress, exercise, or allergies.
Traditionally, doctors prescribed SABAs for everyone with asthma in case of emergency asthma attack symptoms.
SABAs usually come in the form of a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler, which may also be used before exercising in the case of exercise-induced asthma.
However, in recent years, researchers have raised concerns about using SABAs in this manner because of possible over-reliance.
SABAs are meant to help provide quick relief from asthma symptoms only on an occasional basis. Overusing SABAs has been linked to worsening asthma symptoms and worse overall outcomes.
If you find yourself needing SABAs more than twice a week, this could mean your treatment plan is not working. You may need to connect with a doctor to make changes to your asthma treatment plan.
The possible side effects of SABAs include:
In
- paradoxical bronchospasm (sudden tightening of your airways)
- hypokalemia (low potassium)
- heart attacks
Another possible concern is a potentially reduced tolerance to SABA medications if you overuse them. This could make SABAs less effective over time.
SABA vs. LABA asthma treatments
Both SABAs and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are bronchodilators.
While SABAs are occasionally used to relieve asthma symptoms quickly, LABAs are taken daily to help prevent asthma symptoms. Also, LABAs can only be used when combined with inhaled corticosteroids.
The table below highlights SABA medications currently available in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology:
| Drug name | Brand name(s) | Type | Dosage | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| albuterol sulfate | ProAir, Digihaler, Respiclick | inhaler | 2 puffs, taken every 4 to 6 hours | quick relief of asthma symptoms (ages 4 years+) |
| Albuterol and budesonide | Airsupra | inhaler | 2 puffs, as needed | quick relief of asthma symptoms (ages 18 years+) |
| albuterol sulfate HFA | ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA | inhaler; uses a | 2 puffs, taken every 4 to 6 hours | quick relief of asthma symptoms (ages 2 years+) |
| albuterol sulfate inhalation solution | generic versions only | unit-dose inhaler | 1 unit dose every 4 to 6 hours | quick relief of asthma symptoms (ages 2 years+) |
| albuterol sulfate nebulizer solution | AccuNeb | nebulizer | 0.63 to 1.25-mg dose vials | quick relief of asthma symptoms (ages 2 years+) |
| levalbuterol | Xopenex | nebulizer | varies; may be taken every 6 to 8 hours | quick relief of bronchospasm (ages 6 years+) |
| levalbuterol HFA | Xopenex HFA | inhaler | 2 inhalations, taken every 4 to 6 hours | treatment and prevention of bronchospasm (ages 4 years+) |
Anyone with asthma should consider having a rescue inhaler on hand in case they encounter asthma triggers and need quick relief from symptoms.
In some cases, these medications can be lifesaving. A doctor will prescribe the best SABA for you as part of your asthma treatment plan.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, you may also be a good candidate for SABA medications if you:
- have exercise-induced asthma
- experience seasonal allergies
- currently have a cold, flu, or upper respiratory infection
- have sinusitis
In most cases, you take your rescue inhaler as soon as you start experiencing symptoms of an asthma attack. You may also take a SABA medication to help prevent exercise-induced asthma 15 to 30 minutes before vigorous exercise.
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While a SABA rescue inhaler can help with symptoms of an asthma attack, it’s not meant for everyday use.
Talk with a doctor about other treatment options that may help prevent and manage asthma symptoms on a long-term basis. These options may
- inhaled corticosteroids
- LABAs, when combined with an inhaled corticosteroid
- oral medications, such as leukotriene modifiers
- monoclonal antibodies
- immunotherapy (allergy shots)
Albuterol sulfate is an active ingredient primarily found in SABAs. However, it’s also an active ingredient in certain extended-release LABA tablets, such as VoSpireER extended-release tablets.
Salbutamol is a type of SABA medication.
SABA medications may be used as part of an asthma treatment plan to help relieve symptoms quickly in the case of an asthma attack. If you have exercise-induced asthma, a doctor may also recommend using a quick-relief inhaler before vigorous activities.
Still, SABAs aren’t the only asthma treatment option available, and they may cause side effects when used regularly for asthma management.
If you’re having difficulty managing your asthma, talk with a doctor about your current asthma treatment plan and whether any changes need to be made.