A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol (Proventil)as needed and salmeterol (Serevent)every 12 hours.When the patient asks why two inhaler drugs are needed,what is your best response?

Question

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Even though both drugs are beta₂ agonists,they are both normally prescribed for the patient with asthma.Short-acting (rapid-acting)beta₂ agonists (albuterol)are used to reduce the severity or stop an asthma attack.Long-acting beta₂ agonists (salmeterol)can prevent attacks when taken daily;however,their onset of action is so slow that these drugs are not helpful to stop an attack that has already started.

A Patient with Asthma Is Prescribed Albuterol (Proventil)as Needed and Salmeterol