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Drugs for Preventing and Treating Asthma

By

Victor E. Ortega

, MD, PhD, Mayo Clinic;


Manuel Izquierdo

, DO, Wake Forest Baptist Health

Reviewed/Revised Mar 2022 | Modified Sep 2023
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

Drugs allow most people with asthma to lead relatively normal lives. Most of the drugs used to treat an asthma attack can be used (often in lower doses) to prevent attacks. (See also Asthma Asthma Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow—usually reversibly—in response to certain stimuli. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that occur in response to specific triggers are... read more Asthma .)

Therapy is based on two classes of drugs:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs

  • Bronchodilators

Anti-inflammatory drugs suppress the inflammation that narrows the airways. Anti-inflammatory drugs include corticosteroids (which can be inhaled, taken by mouth, or given intravenously), leukotriene modifiers, and mast cell stabilizers.

Bronchodilators help to relax and widen (dilate) the airways. Bronchodilators include beta-adrenergic drugs (both those for quick relief of symptoms and those for long-term control), anticholinergics, and methylxanthines.

Other types of drugs that directly alter the immune system (called immunomodulators) are sometimes used for people with severe asthma, but most people do not need immunomodulators.

Beta-Adrenergic Drugs

Short-acting beta-adrenergic drugs

Short-acting beta-adrenergic drugs are usually the best drugs for relieving asthma attacks. They also are used to prevent exercise-induced asthma. These drugs are referred to as bronchodilators because they stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors to widen (dilate) the airways. Bronchodilators that act on all beta-adrenergic receptors throughout the body (such as epinephrine) cause side effects such as rapid heartbeat, restlessness, headache, and muscle tremors. Bronchodilators (such as albuterol) that act mainly on beta-2-adrenergic receptors, which are found primarily on cells in the lungs, have less effect on other organs and thus cause fewer side effects. Most short-acting beta-adrenergic drugs, especially the inhaled ones, act within minutes, but the effects last only 2 to 6 hours.

Quick medical attention should be sought when a person who has asthma feels the need to use more of a beta-adrenergic drug than is recommended. The need for extra use, particularly continuous use, indicates worsening bronchoconstriction, which can be dangerous, possibly risking even respiratory failure and death.

Long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs

Long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs are available, but they are used to prevent rather than to treat asthma attacks. Long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs are effective for about 12 hours, so people usually need two doses per day.

The long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs are not used alone because people using only long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs may have a slightly higher risk of death. Thus, doctors always give them together with inhaled corticosteroids.

Ultra–long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs

Ultra–long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs are effective for up to 24 hours, so people need only one dose per day.

Ultra–long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs are also not used alone because they may cause the same increase in the risk of death as long-acting drugs. Thus, doctors always give them together with inhaled corticosteroids.

Taking inhaled beta-adrenergic drugs

Metered-dose inhalers (handheld cartridges containing gas under pressure) are the most commonly used method for giving inhaled beta-adrenergic drugs. The pressure turns the drug into a fine spray containing a measured dose of drug. Inhalation deposits the drug directly in the airways, so that it acts quickly, but the drug may not reach airways that are severely narrowed. For people who have difficulty using a metered-dose inhaler, spacers or holding chambers can be used. These devices increase the amount of drug delivered to the lungs. With any type of inhaler, proper technique is vital. If the device is not used properly, the drug will not reach the airways.

A dry powder drug formulation is also available for many bronchodilators. The powder formulation is easier for some people to use, in part because it requires less coordination with breathing than when using a metered-dose inhaler.

How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler With a Spacer

  • Shake the inhaler after removing the caps from the inhaler and the spacer.

  • Attach the spacer to the inhaler.

  • Exhale fully for 1 or 2 seconds. Try to get as much air out of your lungs as you can.

  • Put the spacer between your teeth and close your lips tightly around it.

  • Breathe in slowly through your mouth.

  • Press the top of the inhaler and keep breathing slowly and deeply.

  • Take the spacer out of your mouth.

  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds (or as long as you can).

  • Breathe out and, if a second dose is required, repeat the process after 1 minute.

  • Put the caps back on the inhaler and the spacer.

How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler With a Spacer
How to Use a Metered-Dose Inhaler
VIDEO

A nebulizer can be used to deliver beta-adrenergic drugs directly to the lungs. A nebulizer uses pressurized air or ultrasonic sound waves to create a continuous mist of drug that is inhaled without having to coordinate dosing with breathing. Nebulizers are often portable, and some units can even be plugged into a power outlet in a car. Nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers often deliver different amounts of drug with a single dose, but both are capable of delivering sufficient amounts of drug to the lungs. Nebulizer therapy is less likely to reach the more distant airways in people who are breathing comfortably and not taking deep breaths, making nebulized therapy less effective than a correctly used metered-dose inhaler or a dry powder formulation.

Other bronchodilators, including the anticholinergic drug ipratropium delivered through a nebulizer, may be combined with beta-adrenergic drugs for acute attacks. A combination of ipratropium plus albuterol given in a metered-dose inhaler is also available.

Other forms of beta-adrenergic drugs are also available. Beta-adrenergic drugs can be taken in liquid or tablet form or injected. However, the oral drugs tend to work more slowly than the inhaled or injected ones and are more likely to cause side effects so doctors use them less often. Side effects include abnormal heart rhythms Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are sequences of heartbeats that are irregular, too fast, too slow, or conducted via an abnormal electrical pathway through the heart. Heart disorders are... read more Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms , particularly with excessive use.

Anticholinergic Drugs

Anticholinergic drugs, such as ipratropium and tiotropium, block acetylcholine from causing smooth muscle contraction and from producing excess mucus in the bronchi. These drugs are inhaled. These drugs further widen (dilate) the airways in people who have already been given beta-adrenergic drugs or an inhaled corticosteroid.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton, also help control asthma. They are anti-inflammatory drugs that prevent the action or synthesis of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are chemicals made by the body that cause bronchoconstriction. These drugs, which are taken by mouth, are used more to prevent asthma attacks than to treat them.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers, which are inhaled, include cromolyn and nedocromil. These drugs are thought to inhibit the release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells and make the airways less likely to narrow. Thus, they are also anti-inflammatory drugs. They are useful for preventing but not treating an attack. Mast cell stabilizers may be helpful for children who have asthma and for people who develop asthma due to exercise. These drugs are very safe and must be taken regularly even when a person is free of symptoms.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids block the body’s inflammatory response and are exceptionally effective at reducing asthma symptoms. They are the most potent form of anti-inflammatory drugs and have been an important part of asthma treatment for decades.

Corticosteroids can be taken in several different forms. Often, inhaled versions are best because they deliver the drug directly to the airways and minimize the amount sent throughout the body. The inhaled form is used to prevent attacks and improve lung function. Inhaled corticosteroids come in several strengths and are generally used twice a day. People should rinse their mouth after use to decrease the likelihood that a fungal infection of the mouth (thrush Thrush Candidiasis is infection with the yeast Candida. Candidiasis tends to occur in moist areas of the skin. This skin infection may cause rashes, scaling, itching, and swelling. Doctors examine... read more Thrush ) develops. Oral or injected corticosteroids may be used in high doses to relieve a severe asthma attack and are generally continued for 1 to 2 weeks. Oral corticosteroids may be given for several days after an asthma attack and are prescribed on a long-term basis only when no other treatments can control the symptoms.

If taken for long periods, corticosteroids gradually reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack by making the airways less sensitive to a number of provocative stimuli. Long-term use of corticosteroids, especially larger doses taken by mouth, can cause side effects including obesity, osteoporosis, cataracts, easy bruising, skin thinning, insomnia, elevated blood glucose levels, and, very rarely, psychosis. Some studies have suggested that growth may be delayed when children use corticosteroids for an extended period. However, most children who use inhaled corticosteroids eventually reach their predicted adult height.

Immunomodulators

Omalizumab is a drug that is an antibody directed against a group of other antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Omalizumab is used in people with asthma who also have severe allergies and high levels of IgE in their blood. Omalizumab prevents IgE from binding to mast cells and thus prevents the release of inflammatory chemicals that can narrow the airways. It can decrease requirements for oral corticosteroids and help relieve symptoms. The drug is injected subcutaneously every 2 to 4 weeks.

Benralizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab and reslizumab are antibodies that target molecules that cause airway inflammation (interleukins). They are used in the treatment of people with severe asthma triggered by allergens. Mepolizumab reduces the number of asthma attacks, decreases asthma symptoms, and reduces the need for corticosteroids. Mepolizumab is injected subcutaneously every 4 weeks. Reslizumab reduces the number of asthma attacks and decreases asthma symptoms. It is given intravenously every 4 weeks. Benralizumab and dupilumab may be given in addition to other asthma drugs for people who have a lot of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell White Blood Cells The main components of blood include Plasma Red blood cells White blood cells Platelets read more White Blood Cells ) in their bloodstream.

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis Anaphylactic Reactions Anaphylactic reactions are sudden, widespread, potentially severe and life-threatening allergic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions often begin with a feeling of uneasiness, followed by tingling... read more ) sometimes occur after these drugs are given; therefore, these drugs are given in supervised healthcare settings, such as outpatient clinics or doctor's offices.

Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a methylxanthine, is another drug that causes bronchodilation. It is now used less frequently than in the past. Theophylline is usually taken by mouth. Oral theophylline comes in many forms, from short-acting tablets and syrups to longer-acting sustained release capsules and tablets. Theophylline is used mainly for prevention of asthma.

The amount of theophylline in the blood can be measured in a laboratory and must be closely monitored by a doctor. Too little drug in the blood may provide little benefit, and too much drug may cause life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms or seizures. When first taking theophylline, a person who has asthma may feel slightly jittery and may develop headaches. These side effects usually disappear as the body adjusts to the drug. Larger doses may cause a rapid heartbeat, nausea, or palpitations. A person may also experience insomnia, agitation, vomiting, and seizures. Occurrence of these side effects is one of the reasons that theophylline is used less often than other drugs.

Table

Other Drugs Used to Prevent and Treat Asthma

Other drugs are occasionally used in asthma treatment. These drugs may be used in specific circumstances. Magnesium is often given by vein in the emergency department for acute attacks.

Other drugs that may be given for chronic asthma include lidocaine or heparin given with a nebulizer, colchicine, and intravenous immune globulin. Evidence supporting the use of any of these therapies is limited, so these drugs are used much less often.

People who take inhaled corticosteroids and who have risk factors for osteoporosis Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition in which a decrease in the density of bones weakens the bones, making breaks (fractures) likely. Aging, estrogen deficiency, low vitamin D or calcium intake, and... read more Osteoporosis , such as older age, family members with osteoporosis, a diet that is low in calcium and vitamin D, or thin build, may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements and bisphosphonates to try to preserve bone density.

More Information

The following are some English-language resources that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Accuneb, ProAir digihaler, Proair HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Proventil, Proventil HFA, Proventil Repetabs, Respirol , Ventolin, Ventolin HFA, Ventolin Syrup, Volmax, VoSpire ER
Atrovent, Atrovent HFA
Spiriva HandiHaler, Spiriva Respimat
Singulair
Accolate
Zyflo, Zyflo CR
Alocril, Tilade
Xolair, Xolair Prefilled
Fasenra
DUPIXENT
Nucala
CINQAIR
Elixophyllin, Quibron T, Quibron T/SR, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Slo-Phyllin, Theo X, Theo-24, Theo-Bid Duracap, TheoCap, Theochron, Theo-Dur, Theo-Dur Sprinkle , Theolair, Theolair SR, Theovent LA, T-Phyl, Uni-Dur, Uniphyl
7T Lido, Akten , ALOCANE, ANASTIA, AneCream, Anestacon, Aspercreme with Lidocaine, AsperFlex, Astero , BenGay, Blue Tube, Blue-Emu, CidalEaze, DermacinRx Lidocan III, DermacinRx Lidogel, DermacinRx Lidorex, DERMALID, Ela-Max, GEN7T, Glydo, Gold Bond, LidaFlex, LidaMantle, Lidocan, Lidocare, Lidoderm, LidoDose, LidoDose Pediatric, Lidofore, LidoHeal-90, LIDO-K , LidoLite, Lidomar , Lidomark, LidoPure, LidoReal-30, LidoRx, Lidosense 4 , Lidosense 5, Lidosol, Lidosol-50, LIDO-SORB, Lidotral, Lidovix L, LIDOZION, Lidozo, LMX 4, LMX 4 with Tegaderm, LMX 5, LTA, Lydexa, Moxicaine, Numbonex, ReadySharp Lidocaine, RectaSmoothe, RectiCare, Salonpas Lidocaine, Senatec, Solarcaine, SUN BURNT PLUS, Tranzarel, Xyliderm, Xylocaine, Xylocaine Dental, Xylocaine in Dextrose, Xylocaine MPF, Xylocaine Topical, Xylocaine Topical Jelly, Xylocaine Topical Solution, Xylocaine Viscous, Zilactin-L, Zingo, Zionodi, ZTlido
Hepflush-10 , Hep-Lock, Hep-Lock U/P, Monoject Prefill Advanced Heparin Lock Flush, SASH Normal Saline and Heparin
ColciGel, Colcrys , GLOPERBA, LODOCO, MITIGARE
Calcidol, Calciferol, D3 Vitamin, DECARA, Deltalin, Dialyvite Vitamin D, Dialyvite Vitamin D3, Drisdol, D-Vita, Enfamil D-Vi-Sol, Ergo D, Fiber with Vitamin D3 Gummies Gluten-Free, Happy Sunshine Vitamin D3, MAXIMUM D3, PureMark Naturals Vitamin D, Replesta, Replesta Children's, Super Happy SUNSHINE Vitamin D3, Thera-D 2000, Thera-D 4000, Thera-D Rapid Repletion, THERA-D SPORT, UpSpring Baby Vitamin D, UpSpring Baby Vitamin D3, YumVs, YumVs Kids ZERO, YumVs ZERO
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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