TYPES OF ASTHMA MEDICATIONS

Types of asthma medications

Category	Purpose	Medication types
Long-term asthma control medications	Taken regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks — the most important type of treatment for most people with asthma	Inhaled corticosteroids Leukotriene modifiers Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) Theophylline Combination inhalers that contain both a corticosteroid and a LABA
Quick-relief medications (rescue medications)	Taken as needed for rapid, short-term relief of symptoms — used to prevent or treat an asthma attack	Short-acting beta agonists such as albuterol Ipratropium (Atrovent) Oral and intravenous corticosteroids (for serious asthma attacks)
Medications for allergy-induced asthma	Taken regularly or as needed to reduce your body's sensitivity to a particular allergy-causing substance (allergen)	Allergy shots (immunotherapy) Omalizumab (Xolair)

Long-term control medications

Many people with asthma need to take long-term control medications on a daily basis. You take these medications even when you don't have symptoms. There are several types of long-term control medications. They include the following types.

Inhaled corticosteroids
These anti-inflammatory drugs are the most effective and commonly used long-term control medications for asthma. They reduce swelling and tightening in your airways. You may need to use these medications for several days to weeks before they reach their maximum benefit.