Final answer:
Long-acting adrenergic bronchodilators, such as salmeterol, formoterol, and arformoterol, are used for long-term control of asthma and COPD to open the airways and ease breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Long-acting adrenergic bronchodilators are medications used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which helps to open them and make breathing easier. These medications are not used for immediate relief of symptoms but rather for long-term control. Examples of long-acting adrenergic bronchodilators include salmeterol (Serevent), formoterol (Foradil), and arformoterol (Brovana). These are usually prescribed in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for a more comprehensive approach to asthma management. Long-acting bronchodilators are typically taken once or twice daily, depending on the specific medication and the needs of the individual patient.