Quick-Relief Medications
The most popular “rescue medications” are known as bronchodilators or short-term beta-agonists. Initially, your child may need these medications several times a week, but usage should gradually decrease as she gains better control of her asthma symptoms. Side effects are minimal but can include nervousness, nausea, headaches, sleeplessness, or shaking.
Albuterol
You might be familiar with short-acting beta2-agonists through one of its most popular products with the generic name of albuterol, the seventh most commonly prescribed drug in the United States.
These medications, which are available in forms such as dry-powder inhaler, metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer solution, injectables, or tablets, are designed to relax the smooth muscle surrounding the airways or bronchial tubes. They can be used for relief of symptoms related to exercise-induced asthma. These medicines usually take effect within minutes and can last for up to four to six hours.
New albuterol metered-dose inhalers with hydrofluoro-alkane (HFA) are now replacing albuterol inhalers, which contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a propellant. The Food and Drug Administration has ruled that American sales of CFC albuterol inhalers are prohibited by the end of 2008 due to rising global concerns about CFC's ozone-depleting properties. The medicine is the same, but the inhaler sends out a slower plume of medicine compared with the older inhalers.
Fact
Albuterol also can be taken orally, but it might take a few hours for its peak to be reached. While oral albuterol can help mild symptoms, it may not provide enough medicine for those with moderate or severe asthma. Albuterol syrup may be used by young children, but it also may take longer to work and have greater side effects.
Side effects with albuterol are minimal but can include nervousness, nausea, headaches, sleeplessness, or shaking. Some examples are Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, and Accuneb.
Levalbuterol Inhalation Aerosol
Levalbuterol is a form of albuterol that may have fewer side effects compared to generic albuterol but is similarly designed for recurring episodes of bronchospasms. It comes in two forms — a nebulized form and in a metered-dose inhaler. An example of the metered-dose inhaler form is Xopenex HFA.
Pirbuterol
Pirbuterol has similar characteristics to albuterol. It has an auto-haler dispenser that automatically releases a medicine dose when someone inhales. It does not use a space device and is not recommended for young children. Some side effects include difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, headache, or throat irritation. Examples are Maxair and Maxair Autohaler.
Anticholinergics
This medication group may be prescribed along with albuterol in cases of moderate to severe asthma — or when albuterol cannot be tolerated by a child. It can help relieve bronchospasms and/or reduce mucus secretions. Side effects include dry mouth. An example is Atrovent.
