Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMA)

Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMA) are medications used primarily to manage chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. They work by blocking specific receptors in the lungs called muscarinic receptors, which normally cause airway muscles to tighten and produce mucus. By inhibiting these receptors, LAMAs help relax airway muscles, widen the airways, and improve airflow. Their effects last for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours, allowing for once or twice daily dosing. This helps reduce breathing difficulty, improve exercise capacity, and decrease the frequency of flare-ups in patients with chronic lung diseases.