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

29.07.202208.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the main types of asthma medications. How do different asthma inhalers work. Which asthma drugs are used for long-term control versus quick relief. What are the potential side effects of common asthma medicines. How to choose the right asthma medication plan.

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Understanding Asthma Medication Categories

Asthma medications fall into two primary categories: relievers (also known as rescue medications or bronchodilators) and controllers. Each type plays a crucial role in managing asthma symptoms and preventing exacerbations.

Reliever Medications

Reliever medications, also called rescue inhalers or bronchodilators, provide quick relief from acute asthma symptoms. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open up and ease breathing difficulties.

Short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) like albuterol and levalbuterol
Anticholinergics like ipratropium bromide (in some cases)

Controller Medications

Controller medications are used for long-term asthma management. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms when taken regularly.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
Long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs)
Combination inhalers (ICS + LABA)

Reliever Medications: Quick-Acting Asthma Solutions

Reliever medications are essential for managing acute asthma symptoms. They provide rapid relief by relaxing airway muscles and improving airflow.

Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs)

SABAs are the most commonly prescribed reliever medications. They work quickly to open up the airways and relieve symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Albuterol (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)
Levalbuterol (Xopenex)

How quickly do SABAs work? SABAs typically begin to provide relief within 5-15 minutes of inhalation and can last for 4-6 hours.

Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics like ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) are sometimes used as rescue medications, particularly in emergency settings. They work by blocking the nerve impulses that cause airway constriction.

Controller Medications: Long-Term Asthma Management

Controller medications are the cornerstone of long-term asthma management. They help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms when taken regularly as prescribed.

Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective controller medications for most people with persistent asthma. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to asthma triggers.

Fluticasone (Flovent)
Budesonide (Pulmicort)
Mometasone (Asmanex)
Beclomethasone (QVAR)
Ciclesonide (Alvesco)

How long does it take for inhaled corticosteroids to work? While some people may notice improvements within a few days, it typically takes 1-2 weeks of regular use to see significant benefits, with maximum effectiveness achieved after several months of consistent use.

Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABAs)

LABAs are bronchodilators that provide long-lasting relief from asthma symptoms. They are typically used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for better asthma control.

Salmeterol
Formoterol
Vilanterol

Combination Inhalers

Combination inhalers contain both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-2 agonist. They offer the benefits of both medication types in a single device, improving convenience and adherence.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair)
Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort)
Mometasone/Formoterol (Dulera)
Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol (Breo Ellipta)

Choosing the Right Asthma Medication Plan

Selecting the appropriate asthma medication plan is crucial for effective management of the condition. The choice depends on various factors, including the severity of asthma, frequency of symptoms, and individual patient characteristics.

Factors Influencing Medication Choice

Asthma severity (intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent)
Frequency and intensity of symptoms
Patient age
Presence of other health conditions
Potential side effects and drug interactions
Patient preferences and ability to use different inhaler devices

How often should asthma medication plans be reviewed? Asthma action plans should be reviewed at least annually or more frequently if symptoms are not well-controlled or if there are significant changes in the patient’s health status.

Step-Up and Step-Down Approach

Asthma treatment often follows a step-up and step-down approach. This means adjusting medication dosages or adding new medications as needed to achieve and maintain control, then reducing treatment to the minimum effective level once stability is achieved.

Proper Inhaler Technique: Maximizing Medication Effectiveness

Proper inhaler technique is crucial for ensuring that asthma medications reach the airways effectively. Incorrect use can significantly reduce the amount of medication delivered, leading to poor symptom control.

Common Inhaler Types

Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)
Soft mist inhalers

How can patients improve their inhaler technique? Regular review and practice with a healthcare provider or asthma educator can help patients master the correct technique for their specific inhaler type.

Steps for Using a Metered-Dose Inhaler

Remove the cap and shake the inhaler
Breathe out fully
Place the mouthpiece between your lips and seal them around it
Begin to breathe in slowly and deeply, then press down on the canister
Continue to breathe in slowly until your lungs are full
Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds
Breathe out slowly

Potential Side Effects of Asthma Medications

While asthma medications are generally safe and effective, they can cause side effects in some individuals. Understanding these potential effects can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment plans.

Side Effects of Reliever Medications

Short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) may cause:

Rapid heartbeat
Tremors
Nervousness
Headache

Side Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids may lead to:

Oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth)
Hoarseness
Slight growth delay in children (typically temporary)

Can inhaled corticosteroids cause systemic side effects? When used at recommended doses, the risk of systemic side effects from inhaled corticosteroids is minimal. However, high doses over extended periods may increase the risk of side effects such as osteoporosis and adrenal suppression.

Side Effects of Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists

LABAs may cause:

Tremors
Rapid heartbeat
Nervousness
Headache

Emerging Asthma Treatments and Future Directions

The field of asthma treatment is continuously evolving, with new therapies and approaches being developed to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-control asthma.

Biologic Therapies

Biologic medications target specific pathways in the immune system that contribute to asthma inflammation. These treatments are typically reserved for patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma that is not well-controlled with standard therapies.

Anti-IgE therapy (e.g., omalizumab)
Anti-IL-5 therapy (e.g., mepolizumab, reslizumab)
Anti-IL-4/IL-13 therapy (e.g., dupilumab)

Precision Medicine Approaches

Researchers are working on developing more personalized treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics, including genetic factors and biomarkers.

How might precision medicine change asthma treatment in the future? By tailoring treatments to specific asthma phenotypes and endotypes, precision medicine approaches may lead to more effective and targeted therapies with fewer side effects.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Innovations in inhaler technology and drug formulations aim to improve medication delivery and patient adherence. These advancements include:

Smart inhalers with built-in sensors to track medication use
Long-acting formulations that require less frequent dosing
Combination inhalers that deliver multiple medications in a single device

The Importance of Asthma Education and Self-Management

Effective asthma management extends beyond medication use. Patient education and self-management skills play a crucial role in achieving and maintaining good asthma control.

Key Components of Asthma Education

Understanding asthma as a chronic inflammatory condition
Recognizing and avoiding personal asthma triggers
Proper use of asthma medications and devices
Monitoring symptoms and peak flow readings
Developing and following an asthma action plan

Asthma Action Plans

An asthma action plan is a written document that outlines how to manage asthma on a daily basis and what to do when symptoms worsen. It typically includes:

A list of daily controller medications
Instructions for using quick-relief medications
Guidelines for recognizing and responding to worsening symptoms
Emergency contact information

Why are asthma action plans important? Asthma action plans empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition, leading to better symptom control, fewer exacerbations, and improved quality of life.

Regular Asthma Check-ups

Regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers are essential for monitoring asthma control and adjusting treatment as needed. These visits typically involve:

Reviewing symptoms and medication use
Performing lung function tests
Assessing inhaler technique
Updating the asthma action plan
Addressing any concerns or questions

How often should asthma patients have check-ups? The frequency of asthma check-ups depends on the level of symptom control. Well-controlled asthma may require visits every 3-6 months, while poorly controlled asthma may need more frequent follow-ups.

In conclusion, effective asthma management requires a comprehensive approach that combines appropriate medication use with patient education and self-management strategies. By understanding the different types of asthma medications, their proper use, and the importance of ongoing monitoring and education, patients can achieve better control of their asthma and enjoy an improved quality of life. As research continues to advance our understanding of asthma and its treatment, new therapies and personalized approaches offer hope for even better outcomes in the future.

Asthma Medications – MN Dept. of Health

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Asthma

Asthma Home
About Asthma
Managing Asthma
Data
For Schools
For Health Care Professionals
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For Communities
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COVID-19 and Asthma

Related Sites

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Asthma Data – MN Public Health Data Access Portal
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Posters

These posters are designed to assist school health office staff, pharmacists, asthma educators and primary care clinics in prompting patients to identify their inhaled asthma medications. The posters display a photo of each inhaler; the generic and brand name of the medication; the delivery dose; and manufacturers’ name for all currently available inhaled asthma medications commonly prescribed in the US.

Posters are available for print distribution below. All information presented on the posters is available in the interactive panels.

14×24 inch poster version (PDF)
14×13 inch hand-held, two-sided version (PDF)

Use the poster to:

Review the role of medications – help patients understand the difference between relievers/rescue/bronchodilators and controllers.
Foster conversations between patient and provider to gain insight of patient self-management challenges and ways to help them improve their self-management skills.
Review inhaler technique.
Tailor educational approach that meets the cultural and literacy needs of the patient and family.

Asthma Medications

Click the category headings below to view the medications currently available under that category. Check back, as these lists may be updated to reflect current availability.

For questions: email at: health.asthma@state.mn.us.

Relievers / Rescue / Bronchodilators

ProAir

albuterol sulfate
90 mcg
Teva

ProAir RespiClick

albuterol sulfate dry powder
108mcg
Teva

Proventil

albuterol sulfate
90 mcg
Merck

Ventolin

albuterol sulfate
90 mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Xopenex

levalbuterol tartrate
45 mcg
Sunovion

Nebulized Albuterol

albuterol sulfate
2.5mg/3ml
Generic

Xopenex Inhalation Solution

levalbuterol HCI
0.31mg/3ml
Sunovion

Xopenex Inhalation Solution

levalbuterol HCI
0.63mg/3ml
Sunovion

Xopenex Inhalation Solution

levalbuterol HCI
1.25mg/3ml
Sunovion

Atrovent*

ipratropium bromide
17mcg
Boehringer Ingelheim

Combivent Respimat*

ipratropium bromide 20mcg
albuterol sulfate 100mcg
Boehringer Ingelheim

*Ipratropium bromide is not a recommended rescue inhaler outside of use in the emergency room or urgent care but may, on occasion, be prescribed to supplement short-acting Beta₂ agonists.

Controllers

Aerospan

flunisolide
80mcg
Meda Pharmaceuticals

Alvesco

ciclesonide
80mcg
Sunovion

Alvesco

ciclesonide
160mcg
Sunovion

Asmanex

mometasone furoate
100mcg
Merck

Asmanex

mometasone furoate
200mcg
Merck

Flovent

fluticasone propionate
44mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Flovent

fluticasone propionate
110mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Flovent

fluticasone propionate
220mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

QVAR

beclomethasone dipropionate
40mcg
Teva

QVAR

beclomethasone dipropionate
80mcg
Teva

ArmonAir RespiClick

fluticasone propionate
55mcg
Teva

ArmonAir RespiClick

fluticasone propionate
113mcg
Teva

ArmonAir RespiClick

fluticasone propionate
232mcg
Teva

Arnuity Ellipta

fluticasone furoate
100mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Arnuity Ellipta

fluticasone furoate
200mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Asmanex Twisthaler

mometasone furoate
110mcg
Merck

Asmanex Twisthaler

mometasone furoate
220mcg
Merck

Flovent Diskus

fluticasone propionate
50mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Flovent Diskus

fluticasone propionate
100mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Flovent Diskus

fluticasone propionate
250mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Pulmicort Flexhaler

budesonide
90mcg
AstraZeneca

Pulmicort Flexhaler

budesonide
180mcg
AstraZeneca

Advair

fluticasone propionate, salmeterol
45mcg/21mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Advair

fluticasone propionate, salmeterol
115mcg/21mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Advair

fluticasone propionate, salmeterol
230mcg/21mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Advair Diskus

fluticasone propionate, salmeterol
100mcg/50mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Advair Diskus

fluticasone propionate, salmeterol
250mcg/50mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Advair Diskus

fluticasone propionate, salmeterol
500mcg/50mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Airduo RespiClick

fluticasone propionate/ salmeterol
55mcg/14mcg
Teva

Airduo RespiClick

fluticasone propionate/ salmeterol
113mcg/14mcg
Teva

Airduo RespiClick

fluticasone propionate/ salmeterol
232mcg/14mcg
Teva

Breo Ellipta

fluticasone furoate/ vilanterol
100mcg/25mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Breo Ellipta

fluticasone furoate/ vilanterol
200mcg/25mcg
GlaxoSmithKline

Dulera

mometasone furoate, formoterol fumarate
100mcg/5mcg
Merck

Dulera

mometasone furoate, formoterol fumarate
200mcg/5mcg
Merck

Symbicort

budesonide, formoterol fumarate
80mcg/4. 5mcg
AstraZeneca

Symbicort

budesonide, formoterol fumarate
160mcg/4.5mcg
AstraZeneca

Pulmicort Respules

budesonide
0.25mg/2mL
Astra Zeneca

Pulmicort Respules

budesonide
0.5mg/2mL
Astra Zeneca

Pulmicort Respules

budesonide
1mg/2mL
Astra Zeneca

Spiriva Respimat

tiotropium bromide
1.25mcg
Boehringer Ingelheim

Serevent Diskus*

salmeterol xinafoate
50mcg
GlaxoSmithKlein
*use with an ICS

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Brand Name(s)	Generic Name
Prednisone Intensol®, Rayos®, Medrol®, Millipred®, Orapred®,ODT®, Pediapred®	Prednisone; methylprednisolone; prednisolone
Adrenalin®, Auvi-Q, Epipen® 2-Pak, EpiPen Jr® 2-Pak, Symjepi®	Epinephrine
Ventolin® HFA, Proventil® HFA, Proair® HFA, ProAir® RespiClick	Albuterol
Xopenex®, Xopenex® HFA, Xopenex® Concentrate	Levalbuterol

Brand Name(s)	Generic Name
Accolate®	Zafirlukast
Advair Diskus®, Advair® HFA, AirDuo RespiClick®, Wixela Inhub®	Fluticasone and Salmeterol
Alvesco®	Ciclesonide
Asmanex® Twisthaler, Asmanex® HFA	Mometasone
Breo Ellipta®	Fluticasone, Vilanterol
Cinqair®	Reslizumab
Dulera®	Mometasone and formoterol
Dupixent®	Dupilumab
Fasenra®	Benralizumab
Flovent HFA®, Flovent Diskus®, Arnuity™ Ellipta®, ArmonAir™ RespiClick®	Fluticasone
Nucala®	Mepolizumab
Pulmicort Flexhaler®, Pulmicort Respules®	Budesonide
QVAR® RediHaler	Beclomethasone
Serevent Diskus®	Salmeterol
Singulair®	Montelukast
Spiriva Respimat®	Tiotropium
Symbicort®	Budesonide and Formoterol
Tezspire®	Tezepelumab
Trelegy Ellipta®	Fluticasone Furoate, Umeclidinium and Vilanterol
Xolair®	Omalizumab

I – the most easy. As a rule, do not stop zastosuvannya navit basic drugs in asthma – dosing preparations in short doses, which are prescribed for stopping such attacks.
II – in the majority of cases, due to the stagnation of inhaled hormones. Although the rest are not effective, they prescribe cromoni or theophylline.
III – with such a diagnosis, various combinations of preparations based on hormones and drugs are used to expand the bronchi and lead to a prolonged action.
IV – the most important. In such a world, it is necessary to take vicorists like inhalation and tablet hormones. Often combine glucocorticoids with bronchodilators.
Baseline therapy cannot be brought up to full angulation. It is directed, in the first line, to the prevention of frequent attacks, the increase in dyhal functions, as well as the reduction in the frequency of drug use in short periods. Basic courses are carried out periodically, stretching the entire life cycle of the patient with correction of symptoms in asthma and their dosing under suvorim medical control. Skin 4 months vikonuetsya dynamically vigilant for patients. In this case, the clinical picture, the number and frequency of animals, the general activity, the need to take drugs in a short period of time, indicators of the functions of the respiratory system and the side effects of therapy are evaluated. At times of low efficiency, likuvannya, dosing is corrected.

This group, as a rule, includes drugs and short doses, indicated for the relief of an important state. The effect of these expressions is very strong immediately after inhalation and the stink can be victorious, as in the first help, so in the warehouse of the basic exuberance. In case of moderately important attacks of bronchial asthma, the next step is to succumb to medical assistance, the lack of effectiveness of inhalation can lead to an asthmatic status – a camp that is not safe for life.

Asthma can occur at any age. There are so-called internal risk factors for the occurrence of bronchial asthma (BA), for example, increased sensitivity of the bronchi to various irritants (cold air, smells, etc.), obesity. The most important role is played by the genetic predisposition, which the person was not aware of. It is known that the presence of bronchial asthma in one of the parents doubles the risk of the disease, and in both parents it quadruples the risk. Predisposing genes can be compared to a disease code lock that remains hidden until a specific code is entered. Such a code is external factors provocateurs of bronchial asthma (allergens, respiratory infections, various occupational hazards, tobacco smoke, drugs, stress, hormonal changes in the body), which can appear at any age.

Two categories of drugs are used to treat bronchial asthma: drugs for quick relief of symptoms (ambulance drugs) and therapeutic agents (basic, planned therapy). The first category includes short-acting agents with bronchodilatory properties, which are usually delivered to the bronchi via an inhaler. These include salbutamol, fenoterol, berotek, berodual, ipraterol, etc. These medicines only relieve the symptoms of asthma, they do not cure the disease. Medicines of the second group are not intended (with some exceptions) for a quick “removal” of symptoms, they are not used “on demand”, the purpose of their use is to affect inflammation, that is, to treat bronchial asthma. These drugs are used daily, for a long time in those dosages and with the frequency indicated by the attending physician. The decision to change the dosage or cancel these drugs can only be taken by a doctor.

Unfortunately not. The main rule in the treatment of bronchial asthma is to eliminate contact with the factor that provokes symptoms. Symptoms and exacerbations of bronchial asthma can occur even against the background of properly selected anti-asthma therapy. In addition, constant contact with a provocative factor will not allow achieving the main goal of therapy – the controllability of the disease.

Routine asthma medications include both inhaled hormones (IGCS) and non-hormonal drugs (antileukotrienes, theophylline, long-acting bronchodilators, various classes of antibodies). Inhaled corticosteroids (hormonal drugs) are currently the most effective drugs and constitute the first line of therapy. With regular use, they relieve symptoms, improve lung function, reduce the need for emergency drugs and the risk of exacerbations, and improve quality of life. When glucocorticosteroids are used in the recommended dosages, there is a local effect on the bronchi, the drugs are not absorbed, they do not have systemic effects, like hormonal tablets or injections.