Home Asthma Medications Reference Guide to Asthma Medications

Reference Guide to Asthma Medications

by BidRx Team
Older man using inhaler

Highlights

  • Asthma is treated with both long-term mitigation and quick-relief “rescue” medication, reducing the severity and frequency of attacks.
  • The various classes of asthma medication are often used in combination in inhaler, oral medication, and injection form.
  • BidRX can help you get the best price for asthma medications.

Asthma affects 25 million Americans, and is often controlled with a mix of medications, treating both underlying causes and symptoms directly. Which medications you take will depend on the severity of your condition and possible triggers.

However you treat your asthma, BidRX can help you find the best price for asthma medications.

Asthma Medications: Overview

Asthma medications are divided into short-term and long-term drugs. The former are used during asthma attacks, mitigating the worst symptoms. Long-term drugs reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. 

The classes of asthma medications include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Beta agonists
  • Leukotriene modifiers
  • Biologics
  • Bronchodilators

Allergy treatment may also be a part of an asthma treatment plan, depending on the triggers involved.

Corticosteroids

Doctors with inhalers on his desk

Based on steroid hormones found in the body, corticosteroids are involved in multiple functions in the body. When treating asthma, they reduce inflammation and soothe the airways and are usually combined with beta agonists.

Inhaled corticosteroids are usually part of a long-term treatment plan. Oral or intravenous doses are used for quick relief.

Common corticosteroids include:

Contraindications — Corticosteroids

Avoid corticosteroids if you have any of the following:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Glaucoma
  • Ulcers
  • Congestive heart failures
  • Fungal and some types of viral infections, including varicella
  • Any form of joint infection

Get tested for possible allergies to any components of a corticosteroid formulation, as well, as allergy attacks can be particularly dangerous.

If you’re taking a live or live-attenuated vaccine, particularly due to immunosuppressive issues, corticosteroids are not recommended until the course is complete.

Side Effects — Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids have fewer side effects, concentrating in the airway. Oral corticosteroids may have long-term side effects that can include:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Glaucoma and cataracts
  • Hypertension
  • Muscle weakness
  • Reduced infection resistance

Interactions — Corticosteroids

Do not use more than one corticosteroid except under a doctor’s supervision. Oral corticosteroids may interact with the following classes of medications:

  • Antibiotics and antifungals
  • Any medication that may deplete potassium
  • Contraceptives that contain estrogen
  • Heart medication
  • Muscle-strengthening drugs
  • Blood thinners
  • Antidepressants
  • Nausea prevention drugs.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium 
  • Epilepsy medications
  • HIV medications 
  • Immunosuppressants

When oral steroids are used as rescue or quick-relief medication, these interactions are less likely, but frequent use presents a larger problem. Review any signs of an interaction with your doctor before using these drugs.

Beta Agonists

Woman with arms on her chest

Available in both long-acting (LABA) and short-acting (SABA) forms, beta agonists are almost always combined with corticosteroids as treatment because the combination limits side effects and complications more effectively than either alone. LABA drugs usually last from 12 to 24 hours, while short-term beta agonists act from four to eight hours, depending on dose and formulation.

Beta agonists relax muscles in the airways, preventing constriction and increasing oxygen flow. The most common LABA is salmeterol, while albuterol is the preferred SABA.

Contraindications — Beta Agonists

Use beta agonists with caution if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Diabetes
  • Hypokalemia
  • Seizures
  • Cardiovascular disease 

Side Effects — Beta Agonists

The most common side effects of beta agonists are:

  • Anxiety 
  • Headache
  • Tremor
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Dizziness or disorientation

These are rare overall and are sometimes predictable when taking regular doses. More rarely, fast or irregular heartbeat can occur.

Interactions — Beta Agonists

Don’t take the following drugs with any form of beta agonist:

  • Bepridil
  • Cisapride
  • Dronedarone
  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Levoketoconazole
  • Mesoridazine
  • Nelfinavir
  • Pimozide
  • Piperaquine
  • Posaconazole
  • Saquinavir
  • Sparfloxacin
  • Terfenadine
  • Thioridazine
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Ziprasidone

Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers block or control the behavior of certain enzymes used by the immune system. Leukotrienes encourage bronchoconstriction and inflammation, so inhibiting them can ease attacks.

Common leukotriene modifiers include:

Contraindications — Leukotriene Modifiers

If you have liver disease or damage, leukotriene modifiers should be taken with caution. There is also some concern around possible neuropsychiatric responses, including increased suicidal thoughts, although more research is needed. If you’re taking antidepressants, talk to your doctor about these risks. 

Immunocompromised people should also show caution around leukotriene modifiers.

Side Effects — Leukotriene Modifiers

Common side effects of leukotriene modifiers include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms including indigestion, diarrhea and abdominal pain
  • Upper respiratory symptoms including sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, and rhinitis
  • Increased infection risk

Interactions — Leukotriene Modifiers

In general, leukotriene modifiers should only be used with other drugs that affect the immune system. Phenobarbital and MAO inhibitors should not be used with leukotriene modifiers as they may cause leukopenia, a drop in white blood cells.

Bronchodilators

Woman getting an inhaler out of her purse

Bronchodilators relax muscles in the chest and open up the airways in the lungs, lessening the severity of an asthma attack. Ipratropium (Atrovent) is used as a quick-relief or rescue medication, while theophylline is used for long-term control.

Contraindications — Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators may increase intraocular pressure, so people with vision concerns and eye problems should speak with their doctor before using them. If you have a kidney or bladder issue, they may interfere with urination.

Side Effects — Bronchodilators

The most common side effects are dry mouth and a bitter taste on the tongue. In extremely rare cases, bronchodilators may trigger paradoxical bronchospasm, an intense asthma attack. 

Interactions — Bronchodilators

If you’re sensitive to atropine, you should avoid using bronchodilators.

Biologics 

Biologics are more targeted medications which reduce a specific type of white blood cell called eosinophils in lung tissues. Eosinophils produce cytokines, causing inflammation. Limiting cytokine production can assist in reducing the severity of asthma and attacks.

Biologics are administered either via injection or intravenous infusion every two to eight weeks and include:

Currently, these are administered in a doctor’s office, although some biologics may soon be available as at-home injections.

Contraindications — Biologics

People with immune system concerns or who are taking other drugs that affect the immune system should proceed with caution around biologics.

Side Effects — Biologics

Biologics generally have mild side effects which include:

  • Soreness at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue

Interactions — Biologics

Due to their highly targeted nature, there are few currently known drug interactions. As doctors are involved in the administration of these drugs, they will only give them if your drug profile is clear.

Find the Best Price for Asthma Medications with BidRx

Doctor holding inhalers

Whether you need long-term treatment or short-term emergency medicine, BidRX can help you secure the best price for asthma medications.
BidRX brings pharmacists to you. After you sign up and create a bid, pharmacies from across the country bid for your subscription. You pick the best price, whether it’s local or shipped to your door. Local drug stores, mail order pharmacies, and other fulfillment options may participate. See all asthma medications to get started.

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