Choosing a drug regimen for obstructive pulmonary disease. 1. Agents to achieve bronchodilatation.

Many patients with pulmonary disease may have significant airflow obstruction. Bronchodilatation is an important aspect of treatment and can be achieved with beta-adrenergic agonists, methylxanthine derivatives, and anticholinergic agents. These can be used singly or in combination, depending on the severity of obstruction.