Asthma Medicines

There are several different types of asthma medicines available, both over the counter and by prescription. Usually asthma medicines work best in combination with each other, but finding just the right balance is often a bit of a trial and error procedure. It is always important to work closely with your physician to try to find the best possible combination of medicines to work to control your asthma.

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Prescription Asthma Medicines

The basic types of asthma medicines prescribed by doctors are long-term and short-term medications that can be either bronchodilators or corticosteriods. Both are often prescribed in combination, as the corticosteriods act to control inflammation while the bronchodilators relax the muscles that control the air passageways. They also help to break up the mucus in the airways and allow the patient to breath easier.

There is also a new type of asthma medicine being marketed that actually works to block proteins in the immune system from working in an allergic reaction, which prevents the antibodies from being formed. This, in turn, prevents the further inflammation of the air passages and the constriction of the muscles. Currently, a medication called Xolair is being prescribed that works in this manner.

Long-term asthma control medicines have both corticosteriods to control the inflammation as well as bronchodilators. The most commonly prescribed long-term control medicines are:

• Volmax, Proventil Repetabs, VoSpire ER, Foradil, Combivent, Advair
• Methylxanthine oral bronchodilators
• Corticosteriods (Inhaled) – Flovent and others
• Mast Cell Stabilizers – used prior to exposure to a known trigger
• Leukotriene Modifiers

Short term or quick relief asthma medicines include:

• Short-term Beta2-Agonists including Ventolin, Maxair, Proventil and others
• Anticholinergics – Atrovent

In addition there are other medications that can be prescribed in combination with the above mentioned asthma medicines and medicine groups. They include orally taken corticosteriods and immune system modifiers that are usually allergy injections.

Over-the-counter Asthma Medications

For those with seasonal asthma or mild cases of asthma, an over-the-counter product such as Primatene Mist or Bronkaid may provide temporary relief of symptoms. These are essentially bronchodilators but should only be used as directed and are not intended for daily use or to control asthma symptoms. Many people misuse these asthma medicines and this can lead to incorrect treatment of asthma in both the short and long-term. These asthma medicines should only be used by people not currently using a prescribed asthma medicine or with instructions from the treating physician.