Mechanism
How Vilanterol works
Selectively stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors causing prolonged bronchodilation through increased intracellular cAMP.
← Respiratory Pharmacology
LABANBRC High Yield4/5 Importance
Vilanterol Respiratory Pharmacology Guide
Class, mechanism, indications, adverse effects, kinetics, exam traps, and NBRC-style study pearls.
Vilanterol is an ultra-long acting beta agonist used in several modern maintenance inhalers including Trelegy, Breo, and Anoro. Students should recognize it as the LABA component within triple therapy and other combination inhalers.
Clinical Pearl
What to remember
Trelegy contains Vilanterol as its LABA component.
Kinetics
Onset, peak, and duration
1
Onset
Within minutes
2
Peak
Several hours
3
Duration
Approximately 24 hours
Quick facts
- Subclass
- LABA
- NBRC importance
- 4/5
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Brands
- Found in Breo Ellipta, Found in Trelegy Ellipta, Found in Anoro Ellipta
Common indications
- COPD maintenance therapy
- Asthma maintenance therapy when combined with ICS
- Long-term bronchodilator therapy
Adverse effects
- Tachycardia
- Palpitations
- Tremor
- Headache
- Hypokalemia
- Nervousness
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to formulation components
Cautions and safety issues
- Not for acute bronchospasm
- Not a rescue inhaler
- Use caution in cardiovascular disease
- Use caution with tachyarrhythmias
NBRC-style question
NBRC-style pharmacology review
A patient scenario involves identify the laba component of trelegy. Which medication concept should the respiratory therapy student recognize?
High-yield answer
Trelegy LABA = Vilanterol
Interactive practice
Practice in PharmaGenius
Master this medication through adaptive review of class, mechanism, indications, adverse effects, exam traps, and clinical scenarios. Missed concepts can later be surfaced for targeted remediation.
ClassPractice
MechanismPractice
Clinical usePractice
Adverse effectsPractice
ScenarioPractice
Common Exam Traps
These are the answer choices, mechanisms, or medication classes most commonly confused with this medication on RT school and NBRC-style exams.
- Salmeterol
- Formoterol
- Albuterol
- Muscarinic antagonist
- Rescue inhaler
High-Yield Clinical Scenarios
- Identify the LABA component of Trelegy
- Identify the LABA component of Breo
- Maintenance COPD therapy
Related study paths
Continue building pharmacology mastery
Use this medication page as a reference, then reinforce it with interactive practice and related PulmTools study resources.