Asthma Medications

Are There Over-the-Counter Asthma Drugs?

Yes. The most common over-the-counter asthma drugs are Primatene Mist and Bronkaid. They both work like a bronchodilator, relaxing the muscles around the airways. They provide short-term relief (20-30 minutes), but do not control asthma symptoms or prevent asthma attacks. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or heart disease should not take Primatene Mist or Bronkaid.

Unfortunately, many people misuse or overuse these asthma treatments. The over-the-counter drugs are not meant for long-term use, yet some people use them every day to relieve asthma symptoms. Because they do not control asthma, people who take them may not be receiving proper treatment of their asthma.

If you are using an over-the-counter asthma drugs and are still experiencing frequent asthma symptoms, talk to your doctor. And if you are taking prescribed asthma drugs but are using over-the-counter medications occasionally, tell your doctor this as well. You do not want to be taking more medicine than you need.

Can Allergy Shots Be Used to Treat Asthma?

Some recent studies have shown that when you give allergy shots (immunotherapy) to children with allergies, not only do their allergy symptoms improve, but they are also less likely to develop asthma. Also, since many cases of asthma are triggered by allergies, it makes sense that if you control the allergies, you will have fewer asthma attacks.

Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for allergy shots.

How Often Will I Have to Take Asthma Drugs?

Asthma can't be cured. How often you need to take your asthma drugs depends on how severe your asthma is and how frequently you have symptoms. For example, if your asthma symptoms occur only during the time of the year when your allergies act up, then you may only have to take medications to control your symptoms during that time. However, this is somewhat unusual, and most people with asthma need to take medications every daily.

Asthma Medication Guidelines

Asthma medications are the foundation of good asthma control. Learn all you can about your medications. Know what medications are included in your asthma action plan, when these drugs should be taken, their expected results, and what to do when they fail. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Never run out of asthma medication. Call your pharmacy or doctor's office at least 48 hours before running out of your asthma medications. Know your pharmacy phone number, prescription numbers, and drug names and doses so that you can easily call for refills.
• Refer to your asthma action plan when deciding how or when to use asthma drugs. This plan is designed so you achieve the best possible asthma control. Make sure you understand and can follow the plan.
• Wash your hands prior to preparing or taking asthma drugs.
• Take your time. Double-check the name and dosage of all your asthma medications before using them.
• Keep your asthma drugs stored according to the instructions given with the prescription.
• Check liquid medications often. If they have changed color or formed crystals, throw them away and get new ones.
• Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Some drugs can affect the actions of your asthma medications when taken together. Most asthma medications are very safe. However, side effects can occur and vary depending on the medication and dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to describe medication side effects. Report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.
• Most asthma drugs are very safe. However, side effects can occur and vary depending on the drug and dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to describe medication side effects. Report any unusual or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.