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Asthmatic airways
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Normal airways
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| Some commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs | ||
| Inhaled glucocorticosteroids | Systemic glucocorticosteroids | Leukotriene receptor antagonists |
| PrFlovent® (fluticasone propionate) is a registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. PrPulmicort® (budesonide) and PrAccolate® (zafirlukast) are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca Group. PrQVART (beclomethasone dipropionate) is a trademark of 3M Pharmaceuticals. PrSINGULAIR® (montelukast sodium) is a Registered Trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. Used under license. |
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Mode of administration: |
Mode of administration: |
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Help to prevent symptoms and exacerbations by reducing inflammation in the airways. Examples: Flovent®, Pulmicort®, QVAR™ |
Are usually prescribed for short periods in acute asthma because they are very effective in relieving inflammation and symptoms. Examples: Prednisone |
Help prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airways. May be used alone or in addition to other anti-inflammatory drugs. Are not steroids. Examples: SINGULAIR®, Accolate® |
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| Some commonly prescribed bronchodilators | |
| Rapid-acting inhaled B2-agonists | Long-acting inhaled B2-agonists |
| PrBricanyl® (terbutaline sulfate) and PrOxeze® (formoterol fumarate dihydrate) are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca Group. PrSerevent® (salmeterol xinafoate) and PrVentolin® ( salbutamol sulfate) are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. |
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| Mode of administration: inhaled | Mode of administration: inhaled |
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Quickly relieve symptoms by relaxing the muscles of the airways, thus helping to open up the airway and restore normal breathing. Should only be used as needed. If you have asthma, you should always carry your quick reliever medication with you. Examples: Bricanyl®, Ventolin® |
Dilate the airways by relaxing the muscles around them. Are usually used for moderate to severe asthma and their effect lasts for up to 12 hours. They are bronchodilators, not anti-inflammatories. Some long-acting inhaled B2-agonists have a slow onset of action (example: Serevent®) and some have a rapid onset of action (example: Oxeze®). |
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| Fixed dosage combinations | |
| Mode of administration: inhaled | |
| PrAdvair® (salmeterol xinafoate – fluticasone propionate) is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline. PrSymbicort® (budesonide – formoterol fumarate dihydrate) is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca Group. |
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Inhaled corticosteroids are sometimes combined with long-acting inhaled B2-agonists in the same inhaler. These medications are usually prescribed after an initial trial of a single controller agent. In these cases, the medicine includes a long acting B2-agonist (which dilates your airways) and a corticosteroid (which treats the inflammation). Examples: Advair®, Symbicort® |
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PROPER USE of Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs)
Remove the cap of the inhaler. Then breathe out. Hold the inhaler upright 2-4 cm from your mouth. Breathe in slowly and deeply and immediately depress the canister. Continue to breathe in slowly for 5-10 seconds. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as long as it is comfortable. Breathe out slowly. If more than one puff is prescribed, wait 30 seconds and then repeat the procedure.
- Q
- What is a peak flow meter and do I need to use one?
- A
- For some people, a peak flow meter can be a part of the action plan. Peak flow meters are small devices that measure your lung function. If you have to use one, your doctor will explain to you when to use it, how it works, and how to adjust your medication according to the results.
It is important to take your asthma medication correctly. Therefore, you should ask your pharmacist or your asthma educator to look at the way you use your device. This way, you will be getting the most from your medication.
