Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to become constricted. The Mayo Clinic says that typical asthma symptoms include the following: wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness and coughing. There are many types of medications to manage asthma, but doctors typically prescribe the most common asthma medications initially.
Albuterol
Albuterol, commonly sold as Salbutamol, is a common medication used to manage asthma. Specifically, MedlinePlus of the National Institutes of Health says that albuterol helps to prevent and treat such symptoms as trouble breathing, chest tightness and wheezing. In fact, this medication is called a bronchodilator because it actually relaxes the airway passages.
Albuterol's less serious adverse effects include a headache, nervousness, vomiting, nausea and back, bone or muscle pain. It can also cause cough and throat irritation. Notify a doctor when albuterol's less serious effects remain for more than one week.
Albuterol's more serious side effects include chest pain, fast heartbeat, trouble swallowing and itching. Other serious effects include hoarseness, rash and swelling of the tongue, face, lips, throat or lower legs. Phone a physician immediately when albuterol leads to these effects.
An alteration in albuterol's dose may be necessary when taking such drugs as digoxin, diuretics, epinephrine or imipramine.
Albuterol is an inhalation medication that must be inhaled every four to six hours as needed.
Fluticasone
Fluticasone, commonly sold as Flovent, is another medication used to treat asthma. MedlinePlus indicates that fluticasone is a corticosteroid medication that is used to prevent chest tightness, trouble breathing, wheezing and coughing. Specifically, it reduces irritation and swelling that can wreak havoc with breathing.
Fluticasone's milder side effects include a stuffy nose, headache, trouble speaking and runny nose. Fluticasone can also lead to white patches in the throat or mouth. Talk to a doctor when fluticasone's common side effects remain for greater than a week.
Fluticasone's serious side effects include easy bruising, muscle weakness, depression, anxiety, shortness of breath and cough. Other serious effects include trouble swallowing or breathing, itching, menstrual irregularities, rash and easy bruising. Call a doctor when fluticasone's serious effects emerge.
A change in fluticasone's dose is necessary when taking such drugs as saquinavir, fluconazole, prednisone or dexamethasone.
Fluticasone is another inhalation medication that is typically taken two times a day.
Monteleukast
Monteleukast, commonly sold as Singulair, is another medication used to manage asthma. Drugs.com says that monteleukast is a leukotriene inhibitor medication that prevents certain substances (leukotrienes) from tightening the muscles in the airways.
Monteleukast's milder adverse effects include headache, tooth pain, fatigue, fever and stuffy nose. It can also cause sore throat, rash, hoarseness and heartburn. Call a physician when monteleukast's common effects last for greater than seven days.
Monteleukast's serious effects include tremors, shaking, depression, suicidal thoughts, sinus pain, swelling or irritation and mood changes. Tell a doctor when monteleukast leads to these symptoms.
This drug is available as a regular tablet, chewable tablet or liquid. It is typically taken once daily.
