Types of Medications for Asthma

Quick onset relievers

These medicines are called bronchodilators or beta agonists. They are rapid acting, "rescue" medicines. Bronchodilators:

• Work quickly and last for varying periods of time.
• Open narrowed airways and relieve bronchoconstriction (spasms of the airways).
• Do little to reduce the chronic inflammation that makes bronchial tubes overly sensitive.
• Help stop asthma attacks once they've begun, and are used as needed.

Slow onset, long-acting bronchodilators

Used to provide long-term relaxation of spasms in the airways:

• Work slowly and last a long time.
• Must be used on a regular basis to be effective. Those with persistent asthma will need to take this medication once or twice daily.
• Are considered a first line of preventive care because they help to prevent asthma attacks from starting.
• Do not immediately stop asthma attacks once they've begun.

Inhaled corticosteroids

Dry powder or aerosol are the commonly prescribed forms and can take a week or more to start working fully. Inhaled corticosteroids:

• Are most effective medications to prevent swelling and irritation in the lining of inflamed airways.
• May help reduce your need for inhaled bronchodilators.
• Block the chemicals in your body that cause inflammation.
• Are not the same as anabolic steroids used illegally by some athletes.
• Have minimal side effects when used for as directed by your doctor.

Leukotriene modifiers

Antileukotrienes, also known as leukotriene inhibitors or modifiers, are among the newest oral anti-inflammatory medications. The body processes leukotrienes, chemicals that cause inflammation, as part of the reaction to an allergen.

• They may be useful as a primary treatment to control mild persistent asthma or as add-on therapy with moderate or severe persistent asthma.
• They block the recognition of allergens, thereby avoiding the usual cascade of symptoms.
• Side effects include headache and nausea, and the medications may interact negatively with other drugs, such as blood thinners.

Mast cell stabilizers

These work by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Mast cells play an important role in the body's allergic response. In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. Following subsequent allergen exposure, the mast cells release substances such as histamine (a chemical responsible for allergic symptoms) into the tissue.

Theophylline preparations

This type of oral medication is a bronchodilator. Theophylline is rarely used in asthma treatment today and is noted for significant side effects, including nervousness, hyperactivity, upset stomach, and headaches.

More on Asthma in Children

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.