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Topics > Asthma
Anti-Inflammatory
(corticosteroid - inhalers):
These medications work by reducing and preventing airway inflammation,
swelling and mucus. They have to be used on a regular basis, and
do not have an immediate effect on asthma symptoms.
These medications are the most effective in preventing or controlling
asthma. The most common corticosteroid - inhalers are:
Steroids
• Triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort®)
• Fluticasone (Flovent®, Flovent® Rotahaler)
• Beclomethasone (Beclovent®, Vanceril®, Vanceril
DS®, Beclovent®)
• Budesonide (Pulmicort®)
• Flunisolide (Bronalide®)
Non-Steroidal
• Sodium cromoglycate (Intal®)
• Nedocromil (Tilade®)
Bronchodilators (B2 -Agonist -inhalers):
These medications relax the muscles around the airways and allow
breathing to become easier within minutes. They are rescue/reliever
medications and provide quick relief of symptoms. B2 - Agonist inhalers
are very useful with EIA when used a few minutes before exercise
or before exposure to any “trigger” that worsens your
asthma. The most common B2 - Agonist - inhalers are:
• Salbutamol (Ventolin®,Albuterol®,Proventil®,
Proventil HFA®)
• Pirbuterol (Maxair®, Maxair ® Autoinhaler)
• Terbutaline (Bricanyl ®, Brethaire®)
• Fenoterol (Berotec®)
• Salmeterol (Serevent®, Serevent® Diskus) - This
B2-Agonist differs from the others listed above in that it does
not begin working immediately and has a longer duration of action.
This medication is not intended for use as a “rescue”
medication, but for use as a long-acting bronchodilator. When
salmeterol is used, you may feel relief for a longer period of
time and may require fewer treatments of your shorter-acting bronchodilator.
Leukotriene
Receptor Antagonists: This is a new class of oral
asthma medications. Available in tablet form, these drugs offer
long-term prevention of symptoms by preventing the formation of
leukotrienes (substances that contribute to airway inflammation,
swelling, and tightening, as well as mucus production). These can
be used as an alternative to inhaled steroids and cromolyn (Intal®)
or nedocromil (Tilade®) for people with mild but persistent
asthma who are at least 12 years of age.
• Montelukast sodium
(Singulair®)
• Zafirlukast (Accolate)
• Zileuton (Zyflo®)
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