| Asthma Medications | ||||
 Your
AsthmaAnti-inflammatory
(long-term control) MedicinesFast-acting
beta-agonistsImportant
to Remember |
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Your asthma action plan is unique. With the right asthma action plan,
most people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. The asthma action plan
your doctor prescribed is just for you. Some people with asthma may have to
take medicine every day. Other people with asthma may only need to take
medicine as needed. There are two types of asthma medicines – daily medicine to prevent asthma episodes, and fast-acting medicine to use during an asthma episode and when you have symptoms. Some people with asthma will need to take medicine every day to prevent asthma episodes from beginning. Generally, the types of medicines that your doctor may prescribe to prevent episodes fall into three categories – anti-inflammatory medicines, theophylline, and long-acting beta-agonists. It’s important to take your medicines exactly as your doctor recommends, even if you are not feeling symptoms. |
Anti-inflammatory (long-term control) medicines help prevent asthma episodes by reducing swelling of the airways and buildup of mucus, so breathing is easier. These medicines must be taken regularly (not just during an asthma episode) for them to work well and prevent asthma episodes. Your doctor will tell you how often you need to take anti-inflammatory medicine. Some common anti-inflammatory medicines are:
cromolyn sodium (Intal), nedocromil sodium (Tilade),
leukotriene modifiers (Accolate or Singulair) and
inhaled corticosteroids (Vanceril, Aerobid, Azmacort, Pulmicort, Advair,
Flovent, QVAR, Symbicort).Please note that some people think that the corticosteroids used to treat asthma are the same steroids that weight lifters and other athletes use to build muscles. This is not true. The steroids used to treat asthma are completely different from the ones used to build muscle.
Theophylline is used to prevent asthma episodes. It helps to keep the airways relaxed and open, so breathing is easier.
Long-acting beta-agonists like Serevent or Foradil are sometimes used to keep daily asthma symptoms under control (especially at night) and prevent asthma episodes. It is recommended they not be used as the only preventive medicine you would take to prevent asthma episodes, but rather as an additional medicine together with anti-inflammatory medicine to control asthma.
Fast-acting
beta-agonists are most often used during an asthma episode. They
quickly relax the muscles of the airways to make breathing easier. Fast-acting
beta-agonists are usually inhaled and can start working in 5 to 15 minutes.
Common generic names for the fast-acting beta-agonists are:
Albuterol
Metaproterenol
Terbutaline
PirbuterolIf you find you are needing to use your fast-acting inhaler 2 or more times per week on a regular basis, then you need to talk with your doctor about your asthma control plan. You may need an anti-inflammatory asthma medicine to better control your asthma.
It is important to remember which medicines to take daily (to prevent asthma episodes) and which to take during asthma episodes and when you have asthma symptoms. Be sure to discuss any questions you have with your doctor.
Some medicines may interact with your asthma medicine, so always talk to your doctor before you take any medicines which your doctor has not prescribed.
Asthma medicines should be taken as ordered by your doctor. Some people are afraid that they will become addicted to their asthma medicines. This is not true. Others are concerned that if medicine is taken all the time, it will not continue to work as well as it did at first. This is rare and it can be managed. Talk to your doctor if you think this is happening.
Each medicine you take may have possible side effects. Report any side effects to your doctor. You should understand your medicines, and take them as your doctor recommends.
Your doctor will provide you with an asthma control plan that is right for you.
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