If you find you require many doses of a short-acting bronchodilator or you have moderate to severe COPD, a long-acting beta-agonist can help control your symptoms for a longer period of time, opening your airways and keeping them open. These do not start working immediately however their effects will last for approximately 12 hours. Long-acting beta-agonists are prescribed for regular use, usually twice a day.

Examples long-acting inhaled beta-agonists:

Salmeterol (serevent)
Formoterol (Foradil)

Possible Side Effects of Beta-Agonists:

Increased heart rate, palpitation, irritability, insomnia, muscle cramps and tremor. Serious side effects are rare