Long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists are usually prescribed for moderate to severe persistent asthma patients or patients with COPD. They are designed to replace the shorter acting B2-agonists such as salbutamol, as they have a duration of action of approximately 12 hours in comparison with the 4-6 hour duration of salbutamol, making them ideal candidates for twice-daily administration.

Some long acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists are:

• Salmeterol
• Formoterol
• Bambuterol