Asthma Medications                                                                           

RESCUE MEDS – These medicines help relieve bronchospasm which is a narrowing or constriction of the outer wall of the airways that occurs during an asthma attack or with exercise. They are used to relieve an attack or before exercise to prevent an attack. If more than one canister is used per month, the asthma may not be under control. The inhaled, short-acting bronchodilators are the most commonly used rescue med. Atrovent or ipratropium bromide, anticholinergics, is generally used for those that do not tolerate bronchodilators, or in combination with a bronchodilator for those who experience severe attacks. Although classified as a rescue medication, the systemic corticosteroids are taken in tablet or syrup form and typically used in moderate to severe asthma attacks for short-periods of time.
                               
                                                     

CONTROLLERS – These medications keep the airways smooth and wide, reducing the inflammation that is always present. They are used regularly to control asthma and prevent symptoms. The inhaled corticosteroids are the strongest and most effective anti-inflammatory medicine currently available.
The doctor may order a combination of medicine from the four different categories to control asthma. However, if you are using more than one medicine from one category, it is probably duplication and you need to get clarification from the doctor. For example, if you have a prescription for Pulmicort and you previously used Azmacort, you need to stop the Azmacort and use the Pulmicort. Using both of these medications could lead to problems including increased side effects.