Common Medications
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Respiratory diseases are conditions in which the lungs are not able to work properly. Broadly speaking, three types of diseases affect the lungs – diseases like asthma in which the airways that carry the air into and out of the lungs are affected; diseases like pulmonary fibrosis in which the structure of the lungs is affected, making it difficult for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide; and circulatory diseases like pulmonary hypertension in which the blood vessels in the lungs are affected by clotting, inflammation, or scarring. Many lung conditions are a combination of these three problems.
Asthma is one of the most common lung diseases that affect humans. According to the CDC, more than 25 million people in the United States have asthma. This means 1 in 13 Americans is living with asthma. It is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is chronic (long-lasting) and affects the daily life of affected individuals. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with medications and most people with asthma can live a near-normal life.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in the lungs. People with asthma are extra sensitive to environmental triggers like cold weather, dust, chemicals, pet dander, and smoke. When a person with asthma inhales these triggers, the airways in the lungs become inflamed, swollen, and narrowed. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. The muscles around the airways tighten in response to the triggers, making it even harder for an asthmatic person to breathe. When a person’s asthma flares up, it is called an asthmatic episode or asthma attack.
Medications for Asthma
There are dozens of asthma medications and the type and dose prescribed to you will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Some of the medications commonly used to treat asthma are described below.
Medications for long-term control of asthma: These medications must be taken regularly, sometimes daily, even when you don’t have asthma symptoms. They are used to control and prevent asthma attacks.
- Inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) and fluticasone (Flovent HFA) are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and narrowing of the airways.
- Leukotriene modifiers like montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate) block the effects of leukotrienes (immune system chemicals) and prevent asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours.
- Long-acting beta-agonists like salmeterol (Serevent) reduce swelling and open up the airways for 12 hours or more. They are prescribed for scheduled use to control moderate to severe asthma symptoms.
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator that relaxes the airways and reduces lung sensitivity to irritants. It comes in pill form and is taken daily for mild asthma.
- Combination inhalers like Advair Diskus (fluticasone and salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol) contain both a bronchodilator and corticosteroid.
Rescue medications for quick relief of symptoms: These drugs are taken for rapid, short-term relief of asthma symptoms when an attack is in progress. They are not used daily or on schedule. Quick-relief asthma medicines act by relaxing the airway muscles and opening up the airways. They begin working within minutes and their effect lasts for 4-6 hours. Examples include:
- Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
- Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA)
- Oral and intravenous corticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone)
Medications for allergy-induced asthma: They are taken regularly to reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens (asthma triggers).
- Allergy medications like antihistamines and decongestants which come in the form of oral tablets or nasal sprays can help with hay fever-type symptoms, but they are not a substitute for asthma medications.
- Allergy shots are given as immunotherapy after skin testing to identify asthma triggers. The shots contain the allergens (triggers) in small doses to slowly desensitize the body.
Biologics: These drugs are used to manage severe asthma symptoms by preventing the biological response of the body that causes inflammation in the lungs. Omalizumab (Xolair) is given by injection every 2-4 weeks. It blocks the action of antibodies to pollen, dust, pet dander, etc., and reduces the immune system’s reaction to these allergens. Newer drugs in this class, such as reslizumab (Cinqair), mepolizumab (Nucala), and benralizumab (Fasenra) act by targeting the immune system cells and chemicals and lowering their numbers to reduce inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Asthma
Asthma management with over-the-counter products is not recommended as a substitute for prescription asthma treatment. Unregulated use of OTC asthma medications can lead to serious complications. However, people with mild, intermittent asthma may use the following OTC medications as directed by a healthcare provider:
- Ephedrine (Primatene, Bronkaid) is a bronchodilator that opens up the airways. It is available as an oral medication (tablets, syrup) in combination with guaifenesin which is an expectorant.
- Racepinephrine (brand name Asthmanefrin) relaxes the airway muscles and improves breathing.
- Epinephrine (EpiMist) is another bronchodilator that makes it easier to breathe.
Some of these medications may not be appropriate in people with heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or an enlarged prostate. Always consult a doctor before using any OTC asthma medications.
Common Side Effects of Asthma Medications
Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can cause growth delay in children. They can also cause side effects like throat irritation and yeast infections in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth after each use of an inhaler can help reduce the amount of drug that remains in the mouth.
Potential side effects of leukotriene modifiers include depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, agitation, and hallucinations. These are serious side effects and must be reported to the prescribing physician as soon as possible.
Theophylline can cause acid reflux and insomnia as side effects.
Possible side effects of short-acting beta-agonists include palpitations and jitteriness.
Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can lead to serious side effects, including osteoporosis (thinning bones), poor immunity, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and growth retardation in children.
Biologics like omalizumab can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. They are also associated with a slightly increased risk of blood vessel problems in the heart and brain.
Common Questions
Who is at risk of getting asthma?
Asthma tends to run in families, meaning your chances of developing asthma are higher if a first-degree family member (parent or sibling) has it. Children who have food allergies or eczema are more likely to develop asthma. Allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other inhaled irritants can cause asthma symptoms in adults who have an underlying tendency for the condition.
Is there any non-medical treatment for asthma?
There is no cure for asthma. However, you can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks by identifying triggers and avoiding them. For example, if tobacco smoke causes you to have difficulty breathing, you can be strict about not permitting smoking in your home. If you are allergic to pets, you can avoid keeping them indoors. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can reduce dust and offer some relief from asthma symptoms.
Can I get a discount on asthma medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including asthma medicines—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000066.htm
https://www.aafa.org/asthma-facts
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-medications/art-20045557
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
https://ginasthma.org/about-us/faqs/
Common Asthma and Respiratory Health Medications
Asthma and Respiratory
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter asthma and respiratory drugs.
Respiratory diseases are conditions in which the lungs are not able to work properly. Broadly speaking, three types of diseases affect the lungs – diseases like asthma in which the airways that carry the air into and out of the lungs are affected; diseases like pulmonary fibrosis in which the structure of the lungs is affected, making it difficult for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide; and circulatory diseases like pulmonary hypertension in which the blood vessels in the lungs are affected by clotting, inflammation, or scarring. Many lung conditions are a combination of these three problems.
Asthma is one of the most common lung diseases that affect humans. According to the CDC, more than 25 million people in the United States have asthma. This means 1 in 13 Americans is living with asthma. It is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is chronic (long-lasting) and affects the daily life of affected individuals. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with medications and most people with asthma can live a near-normal life.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in the lungs. People with asthma are extra sensitive to environmental triggers like cold weather, dust, chemicals, pet dander, and smoke. When a person with asthma inhales these triggers, the airways in the lungs become inflamed, swollen, and narrowed. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. The muscles around the airways tighten in response to the triggers, making it even harder for an asthmatic person to breathe. When a person’s asthma flares up, it is called an asthmatic episode or asthma attack.
Medications for Asthma
There are dozens of asthma medications and the type and dose prescribed to you will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Some of the medications commonly used to treat asthma are described below.
Medications for long-term control of asthma: These medications must be taken regularly, sometimes daily, even when you don’t have asthma symptoms. They are used to control and prevent asthma attacks.
- Inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) and fluticasone (Flovent HFA) are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and narrowing of the airways.
- Leukotriene modifiers like montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate) block the effects of leukotrienes (immune system chemicals) and prevent asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours.
- Long-acting beta-agonists like salmeterol (Serevent) reduce swelling and open up the airways for 12 hours or more. They are prescribed for scheduled use to control moderate to severe asthma symptoms.
- Theophylline is a bronchodilator that relaxes the airways and reduces lung sensitivity to irritants. It comes in pill form and is taken daily for mild asthma.
- Combination inhalers like Advair Diskus (fluticasone and salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol) contain both a bronchodilator and corticosteroid.
Rescue medications for quick relief of symptoms: These drugs are taken for rapid, short-term relief of asthma symptoms when an attack is in progress. They are not used daily or on schedule. Quick-relief asthma medicines act by relaxing the airway muscles and opening up the airways. They begin working within minutes and their effect lasts for 4-6 hours. Examples include:
- Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
- Ipratropium (Atrovent HFA)
- Oral and intravenous corticosteroids (prednisone and methylprednisolone)
Medications for allergy-induced asthma: They are taken regularly to reduce the body’s sensitivity to allergens (asthma triggers).
- Allergy medications like antihistamines and decongestants which come in the form of oral tablets or nasal sprays can help with hay fever-type symptoms, but they are not a substitute for asthma medications.
- Allergy shots are given as immunotherapy after skin testing to identify asthma triggers. The shots contain the allergens (triggers) in small doses to slowly desensitize the body.
Biologics: These drugs are used to manage severe asthma symptoms by preventing the biological response of the body that causes inflammation in the lungs. Omalizumab (Xolair) is given by injection every 2-4 weeks. It blocks the action of antibodies to pollen, dust, pet dander, etc., and reduces the immune system’s reaction to these allergens. Newer drugs in this class, such as reslizumab (Cinqair), mepolizumab (Nucala), and benralizumab (Fasenra) act by targeting the immune system cells and chemicals and lowering their numbers to reduce inflammation.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Asthma
Asthma management with over-the-counter products is not recommended as a substitute for prescription asthma treatment. Unregulated use of OTC asthma medications can lead to serious complications. However, people with mild, intermittent asthma may use the following OTC medications as directed by a healthcare provider:
- Ephedrine (Primatene, Bronkaid) is a bronchodilator that opens up the airways. It is available as an oral medication (tablets, syrup) in combination with guaifenesin which is an expectorant.
- Racepinephrine (brand name Asthmanefrin) relaxes the airway muscles and improves breathing.
- Epinephrine (EpiMist) is another bronchodilator that makes it easier to breathe.
Some of these medications may not be appropriate in people with heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or an enlarged prostate. Always consult a doctor before using any OTC asthma medications.
Common Side Effects of Asthma Medications
Long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids can cause growth delay in children. They can also cause side effects like throat irritation and yeast infections in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth after each use of an inhaler can help reduce the amount of drug that remains in the mouth.
Potential side effects of leukotriene modifiers include depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, agitation, and hallucinations. These are serious side effects and must be reported to the prescribing physician as soon as possible.
Theophylline can cause acid reflux and insomnia as side effects.
Possible side effects of short-acting beta-agonists include palpitations and jitteriness.
Long-term use of oral corticosteroids can lead to serious side effects, including osteoporosis (thinning bones), poor immunity, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and growth retardation in children.
Biologics like omalizumab can cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. They are also associated with a slightly increased risk of blood vessel problems in the heart and brain.
Common Questions
Who is at risk of getting asthma?
Asthma tends to run in families, meaning your chances of developing asthma are higher if a first-degree family member (parent or sibling) has it. Children who have food allergies or eczema are more likely to develop asthma. Allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other inhaled irritants can cause asthma symptoms in adults who have an underlying tendency for the condition.
Is there any non-medical treatment for asthma?
There is no cure for asthma. However, you can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks by identifying triggers and avoiding them. For example, if tobacco smoke causes you to have difficulty breathing, you can be strict about not permitting smoking in your home. If you are allergic to pets, you can avoid keeping them indoors. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can reduce dust and offer some relief from asthma symptoms.
Can I get a discount on asthma medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including asthma medicines—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000066.htm
https://www.aafa.org/asthma-facts
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-medications/art-20045557
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
https://ginasthma.org/about-us/faqs/
Common Asthma and Respiratory Health Medications
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