Asthma medicine names. Comprehensive Guide to Asthma Medications: Types, Uses, and Side Effects

16.07.198124.10.2022 by alexxlab

What are the main types of asthma medications. How do long-term control medicines differ from quick-relief medications. What are the common side effects of inhaled corticosteroids. How do combination inhalers work for asthma management.

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Understanding Asthma and Its Treatment Options

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment and medication. This comprehensive guide will explore the various types of asthma medications, their uses, and potential side effects to help you better understand your treatment options.

Types of Asthma Medications: Long-Term Control vs. Quick-Relief

Asthma medications generally fall into two main categories:

Long-term control medications
Quick-relief (rescue) medications

Long-term control medications are taken regularly to manage persistent asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Quick-relief medications, on the other hand, are used to provide immediate relief during asthma attacks or sudden symptom onset.

Long-Term Control Medications

These medications are the cornerstone of asthma management for many patients. They work by reducing airway inflammation and preventing asthma symptoms. The most common types of long-term control medications include:

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs)
Combination inhalers (ICS + LABA)
Leukotriene modifiers
Theophylline

Quick-Relief Medications

These medications provide rapid relief of asthma symptoms. They include:

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)
Anticholinergics
Oral corticosteroids (for severe exacerbations)

Inhaled Corticosteroids: The First Line of Defense

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are considered the most effective long-term control medications for persistent asthma. They work by reducing airway inflammation, which is the underlying cause of asthma symptoms.

Common Inhaled Corticosteroids

Beclomethasone dipropionate (QVAR® RediHaler™)
Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler®, Pulmicort RESPULES®)
Ciclesonide (Alvesco®)
Fluticasone propionate (Flovent® HFA, Flovent® Diskus®)
Mometasone (Asmanex® Twisthaler®, Asmanex® HFA)

Are inhaled corticosteroids safe for long-term use? While inhaled corticosteroids are generally considered safe and effective, they may cause some side effects, especially at higher doses. Common side effects include:

Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
Hoarseness or changes in voice
Cough
Sore throat

To minimize these side effects, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using an inhaled corticosteroid.

Long-Acting Beta-Agonists: Providing Extended Symptom Relief

Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are bronchodilators that help keep airways open for an extended period, typically 12 hours or more. They are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for better asthma control.

Example of a LABA

Salmeterol Xinafoate (Serevent® Diskus®) is a common LABA used in asthma treatment.

Is it safe to use LABAs alone? LABAs should never be used as monotherapy for asthma. The FDA requires a boxed warning on all LABA products, stating that these medications may increase the risk of asthma-related death when used without an inhaled corticosteroid.

Combination Inhalers: The Power of Two

Combination inhalers contain both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist. These medications offer the benefits of both drug classes in a single device, improving convenience and potentially enhancing adherence to treatment.

Popular Combination Inhalers

Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort®)
Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (BREO ELLIPTA®)
Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (Advair®)

How do combination inhalers improve asthma management? By combining an anti-inflammatory medication (ICS) with a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA), these inhalers provide comprehensive asthma control. They reduce airway inflammation while also keeping airways open, leading to better symptom management and fewer exacerbations.

Leukotriene Modifiers: Targeting Inflammatory Pathways

Leukotriene modifiers work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, chemicals in the body that contribute to airway inflammation and constriction. These medications are available as oral tablets and are often used as an alternative or add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids.

Examples of Leukotriene Modifiers

Montelukast (Singulair®)
Zafirlukast (Accolate®)
Zileuton (Zyflo®)

Can leukotriene modifiers be used as a sole therapy for asthma? While leukotriene modifiers can be effective for some patients, they are generally not as potent as inhaled corticosteroids in controlling asthma symptoms. They may be used alone in mild persistent asthma or as an add-on therapy in more severe cases.

Biologics: Targeting Specific Pathways in Severe Asthma

Biologic therapies are a newer class of medications used to treat severe, refractory asthma. These drugs target specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process of asthma, offering a more personalized approach to treatment.

Examples of Biologic Therapies

Omalizumab (Xolair®) – targets IgE
Mepolizumab (Nucala®) – targets IL-5
Benralizumab (Fasenra®) – targets IL-5 receptor
Dupilumab (Dupixent®) – targets IL-4 and IL-13

Who are candidates for biologic therapies? Biologic therapies are typically reserved for patients with severe asthma who remain uncontrolled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and other controller medications. These drugs are administered via injection or infusion and can significantly reduce exacerbations and improve quality of life in appropriate patients.

The Importance of Proper Inhaler Technique

Proper inhaler technique is crucial for the effective delivery of asthma medications to the lungs. Incorrect use can result in suboptimal drug delivery and poor symptom control.

Tips for Proper Inhaler Use

Remove the cap and shake the inhaler well
Exhale completely before using the inhaler
Place the mouthpiece between your lips and seal tightly
Begin to inhale slowly and deeply while pressing down on the canister
Continue to inhale slowly for 3-5 seconds
Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly
Rinse your mouth with water after using inhaled corticosteroids

How can patients ensure they’re using their inhalers correctly? Regular review of inhaler technique with a healthcare provider or pharmacist is essential. Many inhalers now come with dose counters, which can help patients track their medication use and ensure they don’t run out unexpectedly.

Managing Side Effects of Asthma Medications

While asthma medications are generally safe and effective, they can cause side effects in some patients. Understanding and managing these side effects is crucial for optimal treatment adherence and outcomes.

Common Side Effects and Management Strategies

Oral thrush: Rinse mouth with water after using inhaled corticosteroids
Hoarseness: Use a spacer device with metered-dose inhalers
Tremors: May occur with beta-agonists, usually diminish over time
Headache: Often temporary, can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers
Increased heart rate: Monitor and report significant changes to your healthcare provider

When should patients be concerned about side effects? While many side effects are mild and resolve on their own, patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience persistent or severe side effects, or if their asthma symptoms worsen despite medication use.

The Role of Action Plans in Asthma Management

An asthma action plan is a written document that outlines how to manage your asthma on a daily basis and what to do when symptoms worsen. It typically includes information on medications, trigger avoidance, and when to seek emergency care.

Components of an Asthma Action Plan

List of daily controller medications and doses
Instructions for using quick-relief medications
Guidelines for identifying and responding to worsening symptoms
Emergency contact information
Peak flow meter readings (if applicable)

How does an asthma action plan improve patient outcomes? An action plan empowers patients to take an active role in managing their asthma. It provides clear guidelines for adjusting medication use based on symptoms, potentially preventing severe exacerbations and reducing the need for emergency care.

The Future of Asthma Treatment

As our understanding of asthma pathophysiology continues to evolve, new treatment options are emerging. Researchers are exploring novel therapeutic targets and innovative drug delivery methods to improve asthma management.

Emerging Trends in Asthma Treatment

Precision medicine approaches based on specific asthma phenotypes
Development of new biologic therapies targeting different inflammatory pathways
Exploration of bronchial thermoplasty for severe, refractory asthma
Investigation of the role of the microbiome in asthma development and treatment
Advances in digital health technologies for improved asthma monitoring and management

What potential benefits do these emerging treatments offer? These innovative approaches aim to provide more personalized and effective asthma management, potentially reducing the burden of the disease and improving quality of life for patients with difficult-to-control asthma.

In conclusion, while asthma remains a chronic condition without a cure, the array of available medications and treatment strategies allows for effective symptom control and management for most patients. By working closely with healthcare providers, understanding their medications, and adhering to treatment plans, individuals with asthma can lead active, healthy lives. As research continues to advance our understanding of asthma and its treatment, we can look forward to even more effective and personalized approaches to asthma care in the future.

Лекарства от астмы Поиск | AAFA.org

Лекарства от астмы нет, но ее можно контролировать с помощью правильного плана лечения. Ваш план лечения будет включать в себя избегание триггеров астмы и прием определенных лекарств. Эта таблица позволяет вам искать и узнавать больше о доступных лекарствах от астмы.

Для правильного использования поговорите со своим поставщиком медицинских услуг или фармацевтом или прочитайте информацию о назначении ваших лекарств. Перечислены наиболее распространенные побочные эффекты. Полный список побочных эффектов лекарства можно найти по ссылкам в разделе «Информация о назначении».

Узнайте больше о лечении астмы и основах управления в нашем БЕСПЛАТНОМ онлайн-курсе для самостоятельного изучения для людей, страдающих астмой.

Примечание: «Грипп» указан как побочный эффект для некоторых лекарств. Но эти лекарства НЕ вызывают грипп . Грипп – это заразная респираторная инфекция, вызываемая вирусом. «Грипп» может быть указан как побочный эффект, потому что о нем сообщалось как о побочном эффекте во время клинических испытаний препарата, и FDA требует, чтобы он был указан так, как о нем сообщалось. Но это может означать «гриппоподобные симптомы» или «респираторные инфекции». Очень важно, чтобы вы принимали назначенные вам лекарства в соответствии с указаниями и делали прививку от гриппа каждый год. Если у вас есть какие-либо вопросы о побочных эффектах, поговорите со своим лечащим врачом.

Американский фонд борьбы с астмой и аллергией не поддерживает конкретное лекарство или продукт.

Поиск лекарств от астмы

Название лекарства: Беклометазона дипропионат
Торговая марка: QVAR® RediHaler™
Применение в медицине: Длительный контроль
Тип лекарства: Ингаляционный кортикостероид