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KNOWYOUR COPDMEDICATIONSA REFERENCE GUIDE FOR CANADIANS - NOTE: This List is NOT All Inclusive & Is Intended as General Information ONLY!

Generic Name Brand Name(Name given to generic

drug by manufacturer)

Drug Effect(What do these

medications do?)

Form of Medication(How are these

medications applied?)

Administration(How and when should these

drugs be taken?)

Possible SideEffects

(Symptoms that coulddevelop from taking

these drugs)

Short-acting Bronchodilators- These drugs are for use to relieve or prevent shortness of breath - Rescue inhalers

Salbutamol(Albuterol in USA)

Ventolin Metered dose inhaler

Nebulizer solutionSubcutaneous

injections

Terbutaline sulfate Bricanyl

Prevent and relievebronchial spasms andopen the airways by

relaxing the smoothmuscle that surroundsthe airway.

Dry powder inhaler

Rinse mouth after usinginhaler to preventhoarseness and throatirritation.

Symptoms aretemporary:dizziness, headache,muscle cramps,

nausea, nervousness,palpitations, rapidheart beat, raised bloodpressure and tremors

Long-acting bronchodilators - These drugs are used on a fixed daily schedule to control symptoms of shortness of breath

also known as long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists or long acting beta agonists or LABAs

Salmeterol xinafoate

Formoterol fumarate

Serevent

Foradil, Oxeze

Prevent bronchialspasm. Open theairway by relaxingthe smooth musclethat lines thebronchi

Metered dose inhaler orDry Powder Inhaler

Generally one or two puffsevery 12 hours. Not for use

to relieve an asthma attack.(Note fortmoterol fumarate isfast-acting and may be usedas a rescue inhaler but notif used less than 12 hoursfrom any other dose of thesame drug)

Same as withshort-actingbronchodilators

Anti-cholinergic bronchodilators -Also known as anti-muscarinics

Iptrotropium bromide Atrovent HFA Metered dose inhaler,nebulizer solution

Generally 2 puffs 4x day Cough, dry mouth, badtaste. Avoid eye contact

Tiotropium bromide Spiriva

Relieve bronchialspasms and reduceair trapped in lung Dry Powder Inhaler

2 puffs from the samecapsule once per day

Dry mouth, mayaggravate glaucoma andBPH (urinary retention)

Inhaled Corticosteroids - These drugs are used on a fixed daily schedule to control symptoms of inflammation and phlegm

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Beclomethasonedipropionate

Flunisolide

Beclovent,Beconase,Flonase

Fluticasonepropionate

Flovent

Budesonide Pulmicort 'Turbuhaler' dry powderinhaler

Triamcinolone Nasacort

Ciclesonide Alvesco

Reduce inflammation

and phlegmproduction in theairways

HoarsenessThrush a yeastinfection of mouth andthroat.Increased risk ofpneumonia andosteoporosis

Combination Inhalers Combinations of Long acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids

Fluticasone/Salmeterol Advair

Budesonide/Formaterol Symbicort

Open airways andreduce inflammation Metered dose inhaler

and/or dry powderinhaler

Generally one or two puffsevery 12 hoursNot for use to relievean asthma attack.Use only as prescribed

Refer to side effects foreach individualmedication

Oral Corticosteroids - To control inflammation during exacerbations

PrednisonePrednisolone

Methylprednisolone

Reduce inflammation Oral tablet or injection

Prescribed amount variesdepending on condition.

Usually tapering off in a shortperiod (two weeks or less).Requires medicalsupervision.

Increased energyIncreased appetite

SleeplessnessMood swingsCan induce temporarydiabetes and exacerbateestablished diabetesOsteoporosis, glaucoma

Methylxanthines

Theophylline

aminophylline

Theo-dur

Tablets, Capsules,Liquid

Take with food

Swallow tablets wholedont chew or crush themDont take before bedtime ifone daily dose has been pre-scribed

Stomach upset,

heartburn, insomnia,headache, nervousness,

irritability, rapid heartrate.

Theo-bromine Dark chocolate! Bar! non-prescription Weight gain!

Caffeine Coffee! (notdecaffeinated)

Slightly relax the

airways in the lungs,improve breathing

by increasing the

strength of the

diaphragm, andstimulate the

breathing control

centers in the brain. Cup!

non-prescription Sleeplessness!

Anti-Leukotrienes Reduce some types of airway allergic reactions NOT for immediate relief

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Montelukast sodiumZafirlukast

SingulairAccolate

Reduces allergicreactions Oral tablet

Take at bedtime.Take as prescribed

Tiredness

IMPORTANT NOTE: This table cannot substitute for professional advice. You should take all your medications as prescribed by yourphysician. Contact your doctors office or pharmacist if you have questions or if you begin to suffer from any of the side effects listedabove. Side effects listed are those more commonly met and are far from being complete.