Asthma/COPD

What Asthma Medications Treat

Asthma medications can be used to help with several different side effects of the condition. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness of the chest
• Acute asthma attacks
• Long-term inflammation
• Airway sensitivity
• Prevention of exercise- or allergy-induced symptoms

Types of Asthma Inhalers and Medications

Asthma treatments come in a variety of forms.

Rescue Inhalers

Many patients with asthma are prescribed rescue inhalers. These types of inhalers are designed to work quickly. However, they are also usually short-acting. These are also sometimes known as short-acting beta agonists—or SABAs. These types of inhalers usually help symptoms stay away in about 15-20 minutes. The full effects of the medications usually do not fully dissipate until about 4-6 hours later. These inhalers may be used to help with an attack that has already started or as a preventative measure before physical activity.

Controller Inhalers

Controller inhalers come in the form of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). They also sometimes come in a combination form with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA). These types of inhalers work by regulating inflammation. They may be used in the form of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI). They are also sometimes found in nebulizer form. These are usually used daily and take a longer time to start working than rescue inhalers.

Combination Inhalers

ICS and LABA combination inhalers are also commonly used. The LABA part works by reducing inflammation and the ICS part of these inhalers helps by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. This combination effect makes it easier for asthmatic patients to breathe.

Oral Medications

There are also oral medications that can be taken to help with asthma symptoms. Many of these are for long-term daily use. These medications include leukotriene modifiers—or “leukotriene receptor antagonists”—and theophylline. There are also faster-acting oral corticosteroids that may be used on a short-term basis.

Popular Asthma Medications Available

• Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir) This is a type of SABA rescue inhaler. It can help with symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath or wheezing. Patients must be at least 4 years of age to use this medication. This medication is used with a metered dose inhaler or in a dry powder inhaler form. It may be used up to a couple of times every 4-6 hours.
• Fluticasone (Flovent) This is a type of inhaled corticosteroid controller medication. Patients must also be at least 4 years of age to use this medication. Fluticasone works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and helping open the airways. These medications may be used on a daily basis to reduce symptoms and attacks.
• Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort) Budesonide/Formoterol is a type of combination medication used for the treatment of asthma. It is made using a corticosteroid (budesonide) and LABA (formoterol). This combination helps stop inflammation and relaxes the muscle within the airways to help patients regain the ability to breathe with ease. Patients must be at least 6 years of age to use this medication.
• Salmeterol/Fluticasone (Advair) This medication is made up of an inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone) and LABA (salmeterol) too. This medication is usually taken every day at least once. It is considered to be a type of long-term maintenance treatment for asthma patients. The combination of medications helps relax the muscles and open the airways to make it easier for the patient to breathe.
• Montelukast (Singulair) Montelukast is another type of long-term treatment. However, this one comes in an oral form. It is a type of leukotriene receptor antagonist and works by blocking the leukotrienes in the body. These substances are responsible for causing swelling and inflammation related to asthma symptoms.
• Tiotropium (Spiriva Respimat) This medication can also be used for asthma treatment in patients who are aged 6 years and older. It is a type of bronchodilator. This means it works by opening up the air passages—or “bronchial tubes”—when it is inhaled.

Why Order Asthma Meds from MyRx Outlet

Patients can save money on brand-name and generic inhalers when they purchase their medications from MyRx Outlet. We offer convenient delivery to the U.S. for all of our medications. We also work with licensed pharmacies in Canada to get additional support for patients. All shipments are made in discreet and reliable packaging that patients can trust for their chronic care needs.