Drugs for ambulatory asthma
Article Abstract:
Asthma is caused by an inflammation of the airway that hinders breathing and the most effective treatments are anti-inflammatory drugs. These include corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium, beta2-agonists, theophylline and ipratropium. Corticosteroids can be inhaled, injected or taken orally. They are very effective in treating acute asthma attacks. Cromolyn may only be useful in preventing attacks, but it has almost no side effects. Beta2-agonists are effective bronchodilators, but they may increase the mortality from acute attacks when used regularly. Theophylline is less effective as a bronchodilator, but can be used to reduce the dosage of corticosteroids in steroid-dependent patients. Ipratropium has been used to supplement beta2-agonists and theophylline. Many of these drugs have serious side effects. Patients with mild asthma should use beta2-agonists only when needed. Those with more severe asthma may need oral corticosteroids.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A combination of fluticasone and salmeterol for asthma
Article Abstract:
GlaxoSmithKline has produced Advair Diskus, an inhaler that contains fluticasone and salmeterol, for the treatment of asthma. These drugs are a corticosteroid and a beta-agonist, and should only be used together for patients who do not respond to corticosteroids alone.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Formoterol (Foradil Aerolizer) for asthma
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved a beta(sub 2)-adrenergic receptor agonist for the treatment of asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm. It should only be used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Drugs for epilepsy. Lamotrigine for epilepsy. Two new drugs for epilepsy
- Abstracts: New home-based treatment for people with asthma. Treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Preparing patients with asthma for discharge
- Abstracts: Drugs for viral infections. New drugs for HIV infection. Lopinavir/ritonavir: a protease-inhibitor combination
- Abstracts: Putting the genes for type II diabetes on the map. Murder mysteries in type 1 diabetes. Putting the heat on febrile seizures
- Abstracts: Guidelines for assessing and managing the perioperative risk from coronary artery disease associated with major noncardiac surgery