ATC R03 — Drugs for obstructive airway diseases

Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used in adults and children for the rapid relief of bronchospasm in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It produces bronchodilation within minutes after inhalation.

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist used in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with a relatively rapid onset of bronchodilation and a duration of approximately twelve hours per dose, supporting twice-daily inhaled administration.

Budesonide is a corticosteroid used as inhaled therapy in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as nasal spray in allergic rhinitis, and in extended-release oral formulations for inflammatory bowel disease, with limited systemic exposure.

Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist used in adults and children for asthma maintenance, exercise-induced bronchospasm and allergic rhinitis. It is taken once daily and complements inhaled therapy in selected cases.