Anticholinergics (inhaled)
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Usually used in combination with a beta-adrenergic drug
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Short-acting beta-adrenergic drugs (inhaled)
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For immediate relief of acute attack
Albuterol also available in oral preparation
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Long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs (inhaled)
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For ongoing treatment, not for acute relief
Not recommended for use alone (without other asthma drugs)
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Ultra–long-acting beta-adrenergic drugs (inhaled)
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Not recommended for use alone (without other asthma drugs).
Vilanterol available only in combination with fluticasone
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Corticosteroids (inhaled)
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Fungal infection of the mouth (thrush)
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Inhaled for prevention (long-term control) of asthma
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Corticosteroids (oral or injection)
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Elevated blood sugar levels
Skin thinning and easy bruising
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Used for acute asthma attacks and for asthma that cannot be controlled with inhaled therapy
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Immunomodulators (injection)
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Discomfort at the injection site
Rarely, anaphylactic reactions
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Used in people with severe asthma to decrease use of oral corticosteroids
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Leukotriene modifiers (oral)
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Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
With zileuton, elevated liver enzymes
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Used more for prevention (long-term control) than for treatment
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Mast cell stabilizers (inhaled)
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Useful for preventing attacks, often related to exercise, but not for treatment of an acute attack
Nedocromil not available in the United States
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Seizures (if the blood level is high)
Serious heartbeat irregularities (if the blood level is high)
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Can be used for prevention and treatment
Taken by mouth but can be given intravenously in a hospital
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