Asthma & Breathing
Bronchodilators and inhalers for asthma and breathing problems
Bronchodilator
airway opener
Aminophylline
PrescriptionAsthma, difficulty breathing (wheezing), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung problems), bronchospasm (tightening of the airways)
Salbutamol
OTCAsthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, bronchitis, exercise-induced breathing problems
Theophylline; Salbutamol
PrescriptionAsthma, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chronic cough with tight chest, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung problems)
Combination
Reduces swelling and fights fungal infections
Corticosteroid
anti-inflammatory steroid
Betamethasone
PrescriptionSkin rashes, eczema, allergic reactions, itching, psoriasis (dry scaly skin), dermatitis (skin inflammation), asthma, joint pain and swelling, severe allergic conditions
Budesonide
PrescriptionAsthma, wheezing, chronic cough from lung problems, allergic rhinitis (blocked or runny nose from allergies), Crohn's disease (a type of gut inflammation)
Dexamethasone phosphate
PrescriptionSevere allergic reactions, asthma attacks, serious skin rashes, eye inflammation, joint pain and swelling (arthritis), severe body swelling, croup in children, cerebral malaria complications, meningitis support treatment, and other conditions where strong anti-inflammatory action is needed
Prednisolone
PrescriptionSevere allergies, asthma, skin rashes and eczema, joint pain and arthritis, lupus, eye inflammation, severe body swelling, blood disorders, kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome), and some cancers
Prednisone
PrescriptionSevere asthma, serious allergic reactions, arthritis and joint pain, skin conditions like eczema, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, certain blood disorders, swelling in different parts of the body
Triamcinolone
PrescriptionSevere allergies, asthma, skin rashes and eczema, joint pain and swelling (arthritis), lupus, severe body inflammation, keloid scars, stubborn skin conditions that don't respond to milder treatments
Combination corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator
breathing medicine
Corticosteroid
steroid anti-inflammatory
Sympathomimetic
a medicine that stimulates the nervous system to raise blood pressure and open airways
Bronchodilator and Decongestant combination
Opens airways and reduces nasal congestion
Bronchodilator and Antihistamine combination
Asthma relief
Combination corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator
asthma preventer
Antihistamine / Mast cell stabilizer
Antiallergy
Mineral supplement and anticonvulsant
Helps prevent seizures and replaces minerals in body
Leukotriene receptor antagonist
anti-asthma medicine
Antiallergy
Leukotriene receptor antagonist + Antihistamine
Bronchodilator and Expectorant combination
Cough and airway relief medicine
Bronchodilator and Expectorant combination
airway opener and mucus loosener
Combination cough expectorant and bronchodilator
Helps loosen and clear mucus from lungs
When to see a doctor
Seek care if you notice any of the following
- You have severe chest pain or pressure that spreads to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- You are wheezing or coughing up pink, frothy mucus, or blood.
- You are having trouble breathing, and your nostrils are flaring or you are using your neck muscles to breathe.
- You are experiencing a rapid heartbeat, feeling anxious or panicked, and your breathing is getting worse.
- You have a fever over 38°C (100.4°F) and a severe cough that lasts more than 7 days.
For guidance only — always consult a qualified healthcare provider.