Asthma and Airway Centre

Medication

Bronchodilators (Relievers)

These medications are used to relax tight airway muscles. Short acting preparation available for quick relief. Long acting preparation (Controller) to help prevent asthma symptoms. Usually prescribed to be taken together with your anti-inflammatory medication.

Inhaled Bronchodilators Use / Action Common Side Effects / Preventive Measures

1) Beta2 Agonist

Salbutamol (Ventolin®)
Terbutaline (Bricanyl®)
Fenoterol (Berotec®)
Pirbuterol (MaxAir®)
Salbutamol (Airomir®)
- For acute attacks, provides quick relief
- Relaxes tightened airway muscles within 5 minutes
- Effects lasting 4 hours except Pirbuterol (approx. 5 hours)
- May experience shakiness, nervousness, fast heart rate when first taken
- Headache if taken frequently
- Try using just one puff rather than two
- Notify doctor if symptoms persist
- Note: Airomir® is a Non CFC inhaler

Long Acting / Controller Bronchodilators

Salmeterol (Serevent®)

Formoterol (Oxeze®)

Formoterol (Foradil®)

These should be used regularly as prescribed

Salmeterol:
- Relaxes airway muscle within 20-30 minutes
Formoterol:
- Relaxes airway muscles within 3 minutes

Effects lasts at least 12 hours
As above
Do not use for quick relief
Same as Beta 2 Agonist. Use as prescribed

2) Anticholinergic

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent®) Slow action, 30-60 minutes before relief is felt
- Relaxes tightened airway muscles
- Not used for acute attacks
- Dry mouth, metallic taste
- Avoid spraying near eyes
- Notify doctor if you have glaucoma
Ipratropium Bromide / Salbutamol (Combivent®) Combination of two types of relief medications
(Beta2Agonist & Anticholinergic)
- Relaxes tightened airway muscles
- Tremor, dry mouth, etc. (as above)

Oral Bronchodilators

1) Theophylline

Choledyl®
Somophyllin®
Uniphyl®
Theodur®
Slobid®
Phyllocontin®
- Slow action to keep airways open
- Short and long acting preparation available
- May be helpful for those with night-time symptoms
- May cause stomach upset, shakiness, headache, sleep disturbance, restlessness, or irregular heartbeats
- Take after food or with food
- Do not chew or crush tablets
- Blood level may be monitored by physician
- NEVER take extra tablets - overdose can be lethal
- Warn prescribing physicians if you are taking theophylline, some drugs alter the body's ability to handle theophylline

2) Beta2 Agonist

Salbutamol (Volmax®) Slow release action
- Relief of persistent bronchospasm for severe asthma
- May experience nervousness, tremor, or increased heart rate
- Tablet must be swallowed whole, do not chew or crush tablet
- Do not use for acute attack

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