Asthma refers to a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition in which the airway passages are narrowed and inflamed. The Mayo Clinic says that some symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness, whistling and wheezing. Fortunately, common treatments for asthma exist to reduce these symptoms.
Albuterol
Albuterol, commonly sold under many brand names, including VoSpire ER, is a bronchodilator medication that relaxes the airway passages. It prevents the body from releasing substances that lead to mucus production, tightening and swelling, says MedlinePlus. Albuterol's less serious side effects include diarrhea, muscle pain, a headache and irritation of the nose or throat. Some of albuterol's serious side effects include a rash, hives, yellowing of the skin or eyes and fatigue. Taking such medications as nadolol, metoprolol, amoxapine, digoxin or propanolol may require a decrease in albuterol's dose. Albuterol is given as a tablet, syrup or inhaler.
Zileuton
Zileuton, commonly sold as Zyflo, is a leukotriene synthesis inhibitor that reduces such asthma symptoms as wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. Like albuterol, it prevents the body from making substances that lead to asthma symptoms. MedlinePlus says that zileuton's less serious side effects include a headache, heartburn, muscle pain and diarrhea. Its serious side effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, vomiting, dark urine, hives and a rash. Notify a doctor when zileuton leads to these effects. Taking such drugs as nicardipine, nadalol or labetelol may require a decrease in zileuton's dose. Zileuton is a tablet taken four times daily.
Montelukast
Montelukast, commonly sold as Singulair, is a leukotriene inhibitor that prevents the body from releasing leukotrienes, a chemical that leads to muscle constriction of the airways and lungs. Drugs.com says that montelukast's less serious side effects include a stuffy nose, a fever, heartburn, stomach pain and hoarseness. Some of montelukast's serious side effects include sinus pain, depression, anxiety and muscle weakness. This medication should not be given while an asthma attack is occurring because it does not act rapidly enough in the body to decrease asthma attack symptoms. This medication is a tablet taken daily.
