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Medicines for asthma are mainly of two types. According to symptoms and nature of asthma, different types of medicines are used. For quick relief ‘reliever’ medicines are used. For long term treatment of persistent asthma controller medicines are used.

Relievers

Quick acting bronchodilators are known as relievers. These medicines are taken at the first signs of asthma symptoms or in early phase.

Quick acting bronchodilators open the airways quickly by relaxing the tightening muscles of the airways. They can just relieve symptoms but cannot prevent the swelling of the airways.

Following are some of the reliever medicines:

Beta 2 agonists (short acting): – terbutaline, salbutamol etc.

Methylxanthines (short acting): – aminophylline, theophylline etc.

Anticolingeries: – iraprodium bromide.

Generally patients are advised by doctors to take bronchodilator medicine at the earliest stage of asthmatic attack like cough, wheezing, chest tightness etc. For serious attacks of asthma anti-inflammatory medicines may be taken.

Controllers

For controlling persistent asthma controller medicines are used long acting bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medicines are controllers.

Following are some controller medicines:

Long acting beta 2 agonists: – Salmeterol, Eformoterol

Cortico Steroids: – belcomethasone, fluticasone budesonide etc. all are inhaled steroids. As oral steroids have several side effects of serious nature, generally inhaled steroids are used as these have lesser side effects. These reduce swelling of airways. To open airways bronchodilators are inhaled first then steroids are inhaled.

Non Steroids: – Sodium chromoglycate, generally taken with material dosed inhaler.
Long lasting methylxanthines

Theophylline: – It is available both in oral and injection forms.

Note: – This is an article about asthma medicines. Asthma Patient should consult the doctor before taking any medicines.
Author: S.N.Bhattacharya

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