Anti-asthmatic agent

An anti-asthmatic agent, also known as an anti-asthma drug, refers to a drug that can aid in airway smooth muscle dilation to allow normal breathing during an asthma attack or reduce inflammation on the airway to decrease airway resistance for asthmatic patients, or both. The goal of asthmatic agents is to reduce asthma exacerbation frequencies and related hospital visits.

Anti-asthmatic agents as rescue medications for acute asthma attacks include short-acting β₂-adrenergic receptor agonists (SABA), short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMA), systemic glucocorticoids, and magnesium sulfate. Anti-asthmatic agents as maintenance medications for asthmatic symptom control include long-acting β₂-adrenergic receptor agonists (LABA), inhaled glucocorticoids, long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), methylxanthines/phosphodiesterase inhibitors, leukotriene receptor antagonists, mast cell stabilizers, and certain types of monoclonal antibodies.

Global Initiative of Asthma (GINA) is the official guideline on the usage of anti-asthmatic agents. The GINA guideline outlines the class, dosage, and administration of anti-asthmatic agents prescription depending on the severity of asthma symptoms and nature.