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Other Preventers
Other preventers are Intal® and Tilade®. They are non-steroidal and again used to reduce inflammation.
sodium cromoglycate (Intal®)
- for mild asthma
- this can protect against the effects of cold air and exercise
- it requires 4-6 weeks to be effective
- it has few side effects.
nedocromil (Tilade®)
- is similar to Intal®
- is requires 3-4 weeks to be effective
- it has a bad taste
- it has fewer doses/canister; therefore, you will probably need more than one canister per month.
ketotifen (Zaditen®)
- is used for mild asthma
- it can be useful for asthmatics who also suffer from hay fever
- it helps to reverse inflammation of the airways
- it can be used orally and comes in tablets or syrup
- it requires regular use of 8-12 weeks to become effective
- it's side effects include drowsiness and weight gain
Bronchodilator Medications (Relievers)
Bronchodilators are the most extensively used medications for controlling
unexpected asthma attacks and for preventing attacks brought on by physical activity or exercise. Theophylline is a bronchodilator that works by
relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways.
* Are rescue medications, therefore are used only when needed, and rarely on a regular basis (unless the asthma is under
inadequate control)
* Provide quick relief of symptoms shown
* Relax the muscles of the airways
* Are useful with exercise induced broncho-spasm
* Are usually in blue devices
Types of Bronchodilator Drugs
The most common bronchodilators are:
* B2-Agonists
* Anticholinergic Inhaler
* Theophylline
- salbutamol (Ventolin®, Apo-Salvent®, Novo Salmol®)
- fenoterol (Berotec®)
- terbutaline (Bricanyl®)
- pirbuterol (Maxair®)
B2-Agonists are rescue medications which:
o Relax the muscles around the airways which allows the breathing to become much easier
within minutes.
o Are used only when needed and rarely on a regular basis, unless the asthma is under
inadequate control.
o Make the airway muscle less likely to contract.
o Are usually in blue devices.
When to use B2 Agonists
o to relieve symptoms of cough, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of
breath
o a few minutes before exercising or before exposure to any trigger known that might
worsen asthma
Side effects of B2-Agonists include:
o trembling
o nervousness
o flushing
o increased heart rate
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