Asthma Medications

Download the Asthma Medications – What You Need to Know PDF.

There are two main types of asthma medications: quick-relief (or reliever) and long-term control (or controllers). Talk to your health care provider to determine the medication(s) you should use.

Quick-relief Medication (Reliever)

Who should have it?

• Everyone with asthma should be prescribed quick-relief medication by a health care provider
• Carry it with you at all times

How does it work?

• Relieves the squeezing of the muscles around the airways
• Works within 10 to 15 minutes of use

When should it be used?

• Upon first warning sign

What are the side effects?

• Rapid heart rate, shaky hands, jittery feeling
• Symptoms go away a half-hour after using your medication

What are some common types?

• Pro Air^®
• Proventil^®
• Ventolin^®
• Xopenex^®

Helpful tips

• Label your quick-relief medication with “QR”
• Use a spacer with your quick-relief inhaler so the medication gets deeper into your lungs

Long-Term Controller Medication

Who Should Have It?

• Only those with a prescription

How Does It Work?

• Prevents swelling and mucus build up in the airways
• Makes airways less sensitive to triggers

When Should It be Used?

• Every day
• Even if you do not have symptoms

What are the Side Effects?

• Hoarseness
• Thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth (rinse your mouth with water and spit to avoid thrush)

What are Some Common Types?

• Advair
• Flovent
• Pulmincort
• Qvar
• Singulair
• Symbicort

Helpful Tips

• Do not store in the bathroom (humidity can make medication clump)
• Use a spacer with your long-term controller inhaler so the medication gets deeper into your lungs

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice.