Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a condition composed of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Its symptoms include shortness of breath, a cough with mucus, fatigue and wheezing. MedlinePlus indicates that the causes of COPD include smoking, being exposed to fumes in the workplace or exposure to cooking gas. There are some common drugs that are good for COPD.
Ipratropium
Ipratropium, commonly sold as Atrovent, is a medication specifically used to stop the airways from narrowing, which is known as bronchospasm. Drugs.com says that ipratropium's less serious side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, blurry vision and hoarseness. Sometimes, ipratropium can lead to an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Call 911 when these symptoms develop. Suffering from narrow-angle glaucoma, bladder obstruction or an enlarged prostate may require a decrease in ipratropium's dose. Ipratropium is an inhaler taken daily or as prescribed.
Salmeterol
Salmeterol, commonly sold as Serevent, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as long-acting beta-agonists. Specifically, this medication relaxes the airway passages and allows for easier breathing. MedlinePlus says that salmeterol's less concerning side effects include pale skin, dizziness, cough, heartburn, tooth pain and trouble sleeping. Some of salmeterol's serious side effects include chest pain, rash, irregular heartbeat, wheezing and chest tightness. It is important to phone a doctor when salmeterol leads to these effects. Taking such medications as indinavir, saquinavir and metoprolol may require a decrease in salmeterol's dose. This medication is an inhaler taken daily or as prescribed.
Tiotropium
Tiotropium, typically sold as Spiriva, is another medication used to prevent the bronchospasm that occurs with COPD. Drugs.com says that tiotropium's less serious side effects include a fast heart rate, drowsiness, stuffy nose, blurry vision and hoarseness. Some of its serious side effects include decreased urination, tongue swelling or redness, and white patches or sores on the lips, mouth or tongue. It is important to phone a doctor when tiotropium leads to these effects. Suffering from an enlarged prostate, narrow-angle glaucoma or an enlarged prostate may require a decrease in tiotropium's dose. Tiotropium is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
