Asthma is a serious global health problem. People of all age groups in all countries of the world suffer from this chronic disease of the respiratory tract, which may have a very serious and sometimes fatal course. Most ß2-mimetics with a rapid onset of effect act for 4 to 6 hours. Inhalatory ß2-mimetics with long-term action (LABA), formoterol and salmeterol, possess a period of action longer than 12 hours. Formoterol and salmeterol represent great progress in asthma management, particularly in combination with inhalatory corticosteroids (IKS). Their effective bronchodilatory properties and long-term improvement of pulmonary functions are a great clinical contribution for the patients. Both formoterol and salmeterol are strong and effective beta2-agonists, but their different chemical structures produce different pharmacological properties. Due to the fact that the onset of the effect of salmeterol is slower, it should not be used to treat acute symptoms or quickly deteriorating asthma. Formoterol exerts a rapid onset of the effect and high internal activity, thanks to which it can be used for relieving treatment. The present paper aims to characterize and compare the properties of long-term acting ß2-mimetics, with detailed focus on their two representatives, formoterol and salmeterol.

        Key words: asthma – LABA – formoterol – salmeterol