PARASYMPATHETIC ANTAGONIST (ANTICHOLINERGIC) AGENTS

Types of drug and mode of delivery

Types:

Only two types of anticholinergic drug are available:

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
Oxitropium bromide (Oxivent)

Because of the delayed onset of the effect of anticholinergic drugs, preparations are available in which an anticholinergic is combined with a B2 agonist to provide an immediate bronchodilator effect e.g.:

Ipratropium bromide + salbutamol (Combivent)
Ipratropium bromide + fenoterol (Duovent)

Mode of delivery:

Mode of delivery: inhalation (usually metered dose inhaler although preperations are available for use in nebulisers) Onset of maximum effect: 30-60 minutes Duration of action: 3-5 hours Use: 2-3 times daily as a maintenance therapy

Mode of Action