Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are used to treat and control swelling in the lining of the airways (tubes)
of the lungs. Examples of corticosteroids are Flovent® and Azmacort®. These medicines
are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are often used by bodybuilders to build
muscles.
Take these medicines as scheduled, not “as needed.” To prevent mouth soreness, rinse
your mouth after using the medicine.
Combination Medicines
Combination medicines contain two different types of medication in the same inhaler
or nebulizer solution. Combination medicines can also be short-acting or long-acting.
Examples of short-acting combination medicines include Combivent® and DuoNeb®. An
example of a long-acting combination medicine is Advair®.
The side effects that can occur with these medicines depend on which medications are
in the combinations. Check with your pharmacist to see if any of your medicines are
combination medicines.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers prevent the effects of leukotrienes, which are chemicals in the
body that cause swelling and inflammation in the lungs. Examples of leukotriene
modifiers are Singulair® and Accolate®.
Mucolytic Agents
Mucolytic agents work to help loosen and clear mucus from the airways. An example of
a mucolytic agent is Mucinex® (guaifenesin).
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