Beta-2-agonists (Inhalers)

Asthma Inhaler for a Child

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Common names are:

• Albuterol
• Levalbuterol
• Pirbuterol

These drugs help to open the airways. This can provide quick relief. They can also be used before exercise.

Some problems are:

• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Tremor

Ipratropium Bromide

Ipratropium opens the airways and may ease mucus. Tiotropium has also been used. They are inhaled to ease coughing, wheezing, and problems breathing. They are not often used in children.

Ipratropium is often used with other bronchodilators to treat sudden, severe attacks.

Common problems are:

• Cough
• Dry mouth

Corticosteroids (Oral)

Common names are:

• Methylprednisolone
• Prednisolone
• Prednisone

These drugs help ease inflammation and prevent symptoms from getting worse. They can cause side effects when taken orally instead of being inhaled. Long-term use is not advised.

Some problems are:

• Indigestion, nausea, and possibly bleeding in the stomach
• Lowered resistance to infections
• Growth suppression (in children)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
• Cataracts
• Adrenal suppression
• Muscle weakness

Magnesium sulfate (inhaled)

Magnesium sulfate may help treat adults with acute asthma.

Corticosteroids (Inhaler)

Common names are:

• Beclomethasone
• Budesonide
• Flunisolide
• Fluticasone
• Mometasone

These drugs reduce, control, and reverse inflammation. They may reduce the need to use oral corticosteroids and rescue medicine as often.

Some problems are:

• Oral thrush
• Cough

Mast-cell Stabilizer Inhalers

Common names are:

• Cromolyn sodium
• Nedocromil

These drugs may be used to prevent symptoms over the long term. They ease inflammation and can also be used before exercise.

Some people may have problems with cough when using these.

Long-acting Beta-2-agonists

Common names are:

• Salmeterol
• Formoterol

These drugs may be used to prevent symptoms over the long term. They are helpful at night and are often added to anti-inflammatory therapy, such as inhaled corticosteroids. They can also be used before exercise or exposure to an allergen. They should not be used during a sudden attack.

Some problems are:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Tremor
• Problems sleeping
• Nervousness

Long-acting inhalers, like salmeterol, may raise the risk of asthma-related death, intubation (putting a tube in the windpipe to breathe), and hospitalization. This often happens when they are taken in error and used as rescue inhalers. These drugs are almost always given with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Methylxanthines

Common names include theophylline.

These drugs may be used to prevent symptoms over the long term. They are helpful at night. It works by opening the airways and relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. It also makes it easier to clear mucus out of the airway.

Some problems are:

• Headache
• Fast heartbeat
• Problems urinating
• Nervousness
• Problems sleeping
• Upset stomach

Leukotriene Modifiers

• Zafirlukast
• Montelukast
• Zileuton

Leukotriene modifiers ease inflammation by preventing the action of leukotrienes, which sustain inflammation. These types of medications are not used to ease sudden symptoms. They can be used to prevent symptoms from happening.

Some problems are:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Belly pain
• Cough

Leukotriene blockers ease inflammation by stopping the production of leukotrienes. They are used for long-term control and prevention in mild asthma.

Some problems are:

• High liver enzymes
• Can cause problems when taken with other drugs

Immunomodulators

Omalizumab is a common name for this drug.

An injection of this drug binds to an antibody that leads to allergic symptoms. It provides long-term control and prevention of symptoms in mild asthma.

Some problems may be:

• Pain and bruising at the injection site
• Severe allergic reaction in some people