Drugs used to treat asthma

Remember, please... use only under the guidance of your physician. Asthma is a serious disease that requires great care and attention in treatment.

Here is a list of commonly prescribed drugs and, at the end, an outline of treatment regimens…which are only general recommendations.

You and your doctor, working together, must make the choice most suitable for you.

1. SABAs:
   This acronym stands for (inhaled) short-acting beta-2 agonists.
   Commonly used ones: Albuterol, Levabutarol, Pirbuterol.
2. LABAs:
   (inhaled) Long-acting beta-2 agonists.
   Commonly used ones: Salmeterol, Formeterol.
   
3. Inhaled corticosteroids, ICS:
   Beclomethasone diproprionate, Budesonide, Ciclesonide, Flunisolide Flucticasone proprionate, and Mometasone furoate.
4. Oral corticosteroids:
   Methyl prednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone.
5. Leukotriene modifiers: (all tablets)
   Montelukast…considered safe for long term use.
   Others: Zafirlukast and zileuton.
6. Anticholinergics:
   Ipatropium, Tiotropium (both inhaled)
7. Anti-IgE Antibody:
   Omalizumab (subcutaneous injections)
   Theophylline (tablets, capsules or liquid)
   Immunotherapy “allergy shots.”
8. Commonly used treatment regimens:
   For mild intermittent asthma: SABA as needed.
   For mild persistent asthma: Low dose ICS before Leukotriene modifier or theophylline
   For moderate persistent asthma: Low dose ICS+LABA * the FDA recommends stopping a LABA once symptoms are controlled or medium dose ICS
   or low dose ICS+leukotriene modifier or theophylline
   For severe persistent asthma:
   medium or high dose ICS+a LABA
   or medium dose ICS+leukotriene modifier or theophylline.

Every one of the drugs listed above has side effects. What makes it worth using them is that untreated asthma is a dangerous disease. Not following medical advice results in serious consequences. Please comply with the regimen you and your doctor decide on. It makes a world of difference.