What does beta-2 adrenergic receptors do?

Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are cell-surface receptors clinically taken advantage of in the management of bronchospasm as in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Medications targeting these receptors are either agonistic or antagonistic.

What is a beta-2 bronchodilator?

Beta2-agonists (bronchodilators) are a group of drugs prescribed to treat asthma. Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) provide quick relief of asthma symptoms. They can also be prescribed to be taken before exercising in order to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

How do Beta-2 agonists cause hypokalemia?

[9] Beta-2 agonists have been shown to decrease serum potassium levels via an inward shift of potassium into the cells due to an effect on the membrane-bound Na/K-ATPase, which can potentially result in hypokalemia.

What is a beta-2 agonist example?

The side effects of beta-2 agonists include anxiety, tremor, palpitations or fast heart rate, and low blood potassium. Examples of beta-2 agonists include albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire), isoetharine (Bronkosol), and Levalbuterol (Xopenex).

Where are beta-2 adrenergic receptors?

The human β2-adrenoceptor is a member of the 7-transmembrane family of receptors, encoded by a gene on chromosome 5, and widely distributed in the respiratory tract. Intracellular signaling after β2-adrenoceptor activation is largely affected through cyclic adenosine monophosphate and protein kinase A.

What does beta-2 medication stimulate in the lungs?

Beta-2 agonists are drugs that selectively mimic the actions of the endogenous catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine. As pharmaceuticals, their major role is to reduce signs and symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by bronchodilation, allowing the patient to breathe more easily.

Why do beta blockers cause hypokalemia?

Beta-blockers block your cells from taking in potassium from your bloodstream, causing your blood potassium levels to be higher.

How does beta agonist affect potassium?

It is concluded that inhalation of beta-agonists induces a decrease of plasma potassium, that this effect is relatively more pronounced for fenoterol than either salbutamol or terbutaline, and that it is not enhanced by the concomitant use of theophylline.

What is the most common beta-2 agonist?

Albuterol sulfate (Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, ProAir Digihaler) This beta2-agonist is the most commonly used bronchodilator that is available in multiple forms (eg, solution for nebulization, metered-dose inhaler, oral solution).