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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.
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