Some common bronchodilator medications include:

There are three types of bronchodilators:

• Beta2 agonists (short- and long-acting). These drugs relax the bronchial muscles to prevent narrowing and to open the airways. Short-acting beta2 agonists are most commonly used to relieve a sudden asthma attack or to prevent an attack while or after exercising.
  
  The short-acting beta2 agonists are inhaled medications that give quick “rescue” and offer temporary relief from asthma symptoms or flare-ups. Long-acting beta2 agonists take longer to begin working but usually relieve airway constriction for up to 12 hours. Long-acting beta2 agonists are prescribed for use with other drugs, such as inhaled steroids. The most commonly used beta2 agonists include albuterol, bitolterol, pirbuterol, metoproterenol, terbutaline and salmeterol. They can be taken orally or inhaled.
  
  
• Theophylline (long-acting). A type of methylxanthine. This type of bronchodilator works by relaxing the lung muscles and making the airway passages more resistant to irritants. Chemically related to caffeine, it is long–acting and prevents asthma attacks but must be taken daily. Theophylline has been reported to cause side effects such as nervousness, nausea, heart palpitations and seizures. Therefore, it is not the first choice and usually used only for symptoms that do not respond to other bronchodilators.
  
  
• Anticholinergics (long–acting). Medications that smooth muscle contractions and reduce excess mucus in the bronchi (the tubes that transport air to and from the lungs). This causes the breathing passages to widen and relax, making it easier to breathe. Anticholinergics may take 1 to 3 hours to work and are therefore not rescue or quick-relief drugs. They are rarely used as the only medication in the treatment of breathing problems. Anticholinergics are most useful when used in conjunction with other bronchodilators to prolong their effects. Some types seem to work more effectively in improving airflow in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rather than with asthma sufferers. They are available in inhalant form.