Which SAMA is most commonly used in pulmonary disease?

Ipratropium is the most commonly used short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) in the management of pulmonary disease, particularly for conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation, which eases breathing and improves airflow in patients experiencing bronchospasm.

Ipratropium is favored in clinical settings because of its rapid onset of action and efficacy in relieving acute symptoms. It is often administered via inhalation, allowing for targeted delivery directly to the lungs, making it an effective choice for immediate relief in pulmonary conditions.

While long-acting bronchodilators exist, such as tiotropium (which is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), they generally serve as maintenance therapy for chronic conditions rather than for acute relief. This highlights ipratropium's prominent role in acute management, reinforcing its status as the most commonly used SAMA in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.