Final answer:
Beta-2 selective agents are designed to relax smooth muscles, but can have adverse effects such as tachycardia, muscle tremors, headaches, and can potentially impact cardiovascular health. They require careful monitoring, especially in patients with heart conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
While beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists are essential for smooth muscle relaxation, particularly in the bronchi, they come with potential adverse effects. The newer beta 2 selective agents commonly used in treating conditions like asthma can lead to unwanted outcomes. Potential side effects include tachycardia, as the medication can still have some effect on beta-1 receptors leading to increased cardiac output, muscle tremors due to enhanced skeletal muscle activity, and headaches. Furthermore, long-term use could potentially lead to a decrease in therapeutic effectiveness as the body adjusts to the presence of the medication, causing a state of tolerance. While beta-2 agonists are targeted to avoid the heart-related effects of non-selective beta-blockers such as pro-panolol, these agents can still impact cardiovascular health. Hence, their use must be carefully monitored, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions, to prevent exacerbation of the disease or unexpected complications like bradycardia or cardiac arrest, especially when overprescribed.