Asthma Library

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Using a Peak Flow Meter


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Online learning resources for diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and nutrition.
Diabetes 101: Learn more about diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels, and your diet.
Diabetes 201: Learn more about diabetes, managing your blood sugars, and your diet.
Asthma 101: Learn more about asthma and dealing with shortness of breath.
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Nutrition 101: Learn more about improving your nutrition and diet
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Asthma Library: Prevention and Care

Asthma Medications



There are four major classes of drugs used in the treatment of asthma. The first class is the bronchodilators, or rescue medications, for treatment of acute attacks. Others include corticosteroids and antimediators, both anti-inflammatory medications, which are used to prevent an attack. The fourth is a new asthma treatment called leukotriene inhibitors which work to block the substances (leukotrienes) which provoke inflammation.

Asthma Medications

How it works

How it is administered

Bronchodilators

Sympathomimetics

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)

Salmeterol (Serevent)

Metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel)

Bitolerol (Tornalate)

Pirbuterol (Maxair)

Terbutaline (Brethaire)

Isoetharine (Bronkometer, Bronkosol)

Isoproterenol (Isuprel)

Epinephrine

Anticholinergics

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)

Theophylline, oral

Amniophylline

Relaxes the muscles around the airways without correcting the underlying inflammation
  • Metered-dose inhaler
  • Nebulizer
  • Liquid or tablet
  • Injected
     

Corticosteroids

Beclomethasone dipropionate (Beclovent)

Triamcinolone acetonide

Flunisolide (AeroBid)

Prednisone

Methylprednisone sodium succinate

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

Prevents and reduces swelling inside the airways.

Decreases the mucus in the lungs
  • Metered-dose inhaler
  • Nebulizer
  • Liquid or tablet
  • Injected
     

Antimediators

Cromolyn sodium (Intal)

Nedocromil sodium (Tilade)

Prevents and reduces swelling inside the airways

Decreases the mucus in the lungs

Stops the effects of environmental irritants or allergens (including after exercise and after exposure to cold air and sulfur dioxide)
  • Metered-dose inhaler
  • Dry powder inhaler
  • Nebulizer

Leukotriene Inhibitors (Singulair)

Blocks the substances (leukotrienes) involved in inflammation
  • Tablet

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