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Asthma Medications

Types of Asthma Medications

There are two types of asthma medications generally used to control both long-term and short-term asthma symptoms. These are Anti-inflammatory drugs and Bronchodilators. Of the two, Anti-inflammatory drugs are the most important type of asthma medications for most people because they prevent asthma attacks on an ongoing basis. Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are an important type of anti-inflammatory drug that reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways Bronchodilators relieve the symptoms of asthma by relaxing muscle band around the airways that have tightened. This action quickly opens the airway letting more air in and out of the lungs.

Long-term Asthma Medication

Long-term control asthma medications are taken daily to achieve and maintain control of asthma symptoms. The best long-term asthma medications are anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there are others that are often used to enhance the effect of the anti-inflammatory drug.

These long-term asthma medications include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Mast cell stabilizers
  • Long acting beta-agonists
  • Theophylline
  • Leukotriene modifiers

    • Fast Acting Asthma Medications

    Several types of medications are used for giving quick relief of asthma attack symptoms. They include:

  • Short acting beta-agonists (bronchodilators, the drug of choice to relieve asthma attacks and prevent asthma symptoms brought on by exercise.)
  • Anticholinergics (bronchodilators used with short-acting beta-agonists when needed or as an alternative to these drugs)
  • Systemic corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drug used in emergencies for rapid control of the disease while initiating other treatments)

    • Administering Asthma Medications

    Asthma medications can be inhaled using a metered dose inhaler, dry powder inhaler, or a nebulizer. It can also be taken orally in either pill or liquid form. A newer type of asthma medication can be taken by injection just beneath the skin.

    Some asthma medications can be taken together and some inhalers contain a combination of medicines that work together to short treatment time and limit the number of inhalers necessary.

    The following is a representative list of the different classes of asthma medications. It is not a comprehensive list.

    Combined Long-Acting Bronchodilator and Anti-Inflammatory

    Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) Inhaled
    Combivent (ipratropium bromide/albuterol) Inhaled

    Long-Acting Bronchodilator

    Foradil (formoterol) Inhaled
    Serevent (salmeterol) Inhaled
    Proventil (albuterol) Oral
    Ventolin (albuterol) Oral
    Volmax (albutetol) Oral

    Short-Acting Bronchodilator

    Maxair (Pirbuterol) Inhaled
    Proventil (albuterol) Inhaled
    Ventolin (albuterol) Inhaled

    Anti-Inflammatory

    Intal (cromolyn sodium) Mast Cell Stabilizer
    Tilade (nedocromil sodium) Mast Cell Stabilizer
    Accolate (zafirlukast) Leukotriene Modifier
    Singulair (montelukast) Leukotriene Modifier
    Zyflo (zileuton) Leukotriene Modifier
    Azmacort (triamcinolone) Inhaled Corticosteroid
    Beclovent (beclomethasone) Inhaled Corticosteroid
    Flovent (fluticasone) Inhaled Corticosteroid
    Deltasone (prednisone) Oral Corticosteroid
    Medrol (methylprednisolone) Oral Corticosteroid
    Prednisone (prednisone) Oral Corticosteroid

    Anticholinergic

    Atrovent (ipratropium bromide) Inhaled

    Over-the-Counter Asthma Medication

    The two most common over the counter asthma medications are Bronkaid and Primatine Mist. Both are epinephrine and work like a bronchodilator which relaxes the muscles around the airways. They can provide 20 to 30 minutes of relief but are not intended for long term use. They do not control asthma symptoms or prevent asthma attacks. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease or heart disease should not use Primatine Mist or Bronkaid.

    Allergy Shots

    Recent studies have shown that often giving allergy shots to children with allergies can help reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks by blocking the allergies that often trigger those attacks. You should consult your doctor

    Medication Guidelines

    It is important to learn all you can about your asthma medications. You should know which medications are included in your asthma action plan, when you should take these medications, what results should be expected from them, and what you should do if they fail. The following are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

  • Refer to your asthma action plan when you decide how or when to use medications. Make sure you understand and can follow the plan.
  • Wash your hands before preparing or taking medications.
  • Don’t rush. Check the name and dosage of all your medications before taking them.
  • Keep medications stored in accordance with the instructions given with the prescription.
  • Check liquid medications often. Throw them away and get new ones if they have changed color or formed crystals.
  • Call your pharmacy or doctor's office at least 48 hours before running out to avoid being without your medication. Knowing your pharmacy phone number, prescription numbers, and medication names and doses are important to help you manage your asthma medications.
  • Make sure your doctor is aware of any other medications you are taking. Some medications affect the actions of others when taken together.
  • Most asthma medications are safe. However, side effects can occur. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain medication side effects. Report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor.