 Asthma is the inflammation of the lungs' airways, which causes temporary attacks of wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Prescription drugs can prevent or halt asthma attacks. Commonly prescribed medications can be grouped into quick-relief types and long-term control types. Quick-relief medicines open airways so that air can move more freely. A short-acting inhaler, such as albuterol (brand names Ventolin and Proventil), is often prescribed to stop asthma attacks. When used properly, it's very effective. You shouldn't use quick-relief inhalers on a regular basis. If you find you need quick relief often, talk to your doctor about finding better ways to avoid asthma attacks. Long-term control medications are drugs you use every day to prevent asthma attacks. They include anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and nonsteroid medicines. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways, are available in both inhaler and pill form. Inhalers contain drugs such as beclomethasone (Beclovent) or fluticasone (Flovent). Corticosteroid inhalers won't stop an asthma attack once it begins. Corticosteroids in pill form, such as prednisone (Orasone), may be required if you have more severe asthma. Cromolyn (Intal), nedocromil (Tilade), and salmeterol (Serevent) are nonsteroid, long-term control medicine inhalers used on a daily basis to prevent asthma attacks. Another long-term control medicine pill is theophylline (Theo-Dur). Three newer oral medications—zafirlukast (Accolate), montelukast (Singulair), and zileuton (Zyflo)—also may help prevent asthma attacks. These long-term control drugs work by relieving airway swelling and muscle tightness in the chest. References:
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Murphy, S. "Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma," National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 1997.
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex Inc., 1999. This answer prepared 8/19/99.
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