Asthma medications fall into 2 categories: controllers and quick relief inhalers.

These medications comes in many forms: inhalers, liquids and pills.

Controllers are medications that are taken everyday to prevent asthma symptoms.  They work by reducing swelling and mucus in the airways.

Common Controller Medications:
Advair®
Alvesco®
Asmanex®
Flovent®
Pulminort®
QVAR®

Quick relief inhalers are used when you are having symptoms.  Relievers work to relax the muscles around the airways.  You should always carry this medicine with you.

Common Quick Relief Inhalers:
Albuterol
ProAir®
Proventil®
Ventolin®
Xopenex®

Combination medications
Advair®
Dulera®
Symbicort®

What to Expect From Your Healthcare Provider

Your health care professional should have given you written information about the medications you are taking to manage your asthma. You should know each of the following about all of your medications:

• How much of each medication you should take.
• When, how often, and for how long you should take each medication.
• What each medication is supposed to do.
• Detailed directions on how to use each medication.
• How each medication should make you feel and any side possible effects.
• What you should do if your asthma medication makes you feel bad.
• When you should seek help.
• How to get help.

Using Your Medications Correctly