Treating COPD with Inhalers
There is currently no cure for COPD. However, treatments are available to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression and improve quality of life. One of the main treatments for COPD is inhalers. Different classifications of inhalers may target different symptoms and effects of COPD. In this article, we'll look at different options for inhalers you can talk to your doctor about.
Common COPD Inhalers
There are several common inhalers that doctors prescribe to treat COPD. Your doctor may determine the best COPD inhaler based on the severity of your disease, symptoms and potential side effects.
COPD inhalers include the following:
Fast-acting Bronchodilators
Doctors sometimes refer to fast-acting bronchodilators as rescue inhalers. Patients take this type of inhaler to treat sudden symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Fast-acting inhalers include those listed below.
ProAir HFA (Albuterol)
ProAir is a fast-acting COPD inhaler used to treat airway narrowing in people with COPD and other lung diseases. Doctors classify ProAir as an adrenergic bronchodilator. The medication works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the airway, which helps dilate or open up the lungs to make breathing easier. Potential side effects of ProAir include increased heart rate and shakiness.
Xopenex (Levalbuterol)
Xopenex is also a bronchodilator. The medication is a fast-acting beta agonist used to manage symptoms of COPD. Similar to ProAir, it relaxes the muscles of the airway and decreases symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness. The chemical structure of Xopenex slightly differs from ProAir. The structural difference may prevent the increase in heart rate that ProAir might cause. Possible side effects include sore throat and dizziness.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medications that decrease inflammation. They do not treat sudden symptoms. Below are examples of corticosteroids for COPD.
Flovent (Fluticasone Propionate)
Flovent is a prescription steroid used to control symptoms of COPD and other respiratory conditions such as asthma. The medication reduces swelling and inflammation in the airways, which helps keep them open and lowers flare-ups of COPD. Doctors classify Flovent as a maintenance medication for COPD, which means it does not treat sudden symptoms quickly. Usually, patients take Flovent twice a day.
Possible side effects include a sore throat, hoarseness or a fungal infection in the mouth called oral thrush. You can reduce the risk of thrush by rinsing your mouth after taking the inhaler.
Pulmicort (Budesonide)
Similar to Flovent, Pulmicort is a steroid that decreases inflammation in the airways. It is also a maintenance COPD inhaler. Pulmicort is available as an inhaled powder. Doctors usually prescribe Pulmicort twice a day. Possible side effects include nasal congestion, nausea and oral thrush.
Combination Inhalers
Combination inhalers contain two or more classes of medication to treat COPD. Some combination inhalers may contain a long-acting bronchodilator and a steroid, while others may contain two long-acting bronchodilators. Possible combination inhalers include those listed below.
Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate and formoterol)
Bevespi Aerosphere is a combination medication used as a maintenance treatment for COPD. By combining two classes of medications, it helps decrease constriction of the airway and prevents it from occurring. Bevespi Aerosphere combines two long-acting bronchodilators.
Different long-acting bronchodilators may target different receptors to prevent the narrowing of the airways.
Bevespi contains:
- Glycopyrrolate. This medication is an anticholinergic that inhibits the action of acetylcholine, which narrows the airways.
- Formoterol. This drug is a long-acting bronchodilator that prevents the muscles surrounding the airways from narrowing.
Potential side effects include a cough and urinary tract infection.
Breo Ellipta (Fluticasone Furoate and Vilanterol)
Breo Ellipta is a combination medication. Patients typically take it once a day as a maintenance medication to prevent COPD symptoms. It works by reducing inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
Breo contains:
- Fluticasone. This drug is a steroid that decreases swelling that interferes with getting air in and out of the lungs
- Vilanterol. This is a long-acting bronchodilator that helps prevent tightening of the airways.
Possible side effects include headache, oral thrush and sore throat.
Trelegy (Fluticasone Furoate, Vilanterol and Umeclidinium)
Trelegy is also a combination medication that contains three different medications. Each class of medication targets a specific physiological aspect of COPD to reduce inflammation, open the airways and improve lung function.
Doctors may prescribe Trelegy in patients who have COPD that is not well controlled with a steroid and one type of long-acting bronchodilator.
- Fluticasone furoate. This is a steroid that decreases airway inflammation.
- Umeclidinium. This medication is a long-acting anticholinergic drug that prevents constriction of the airways.
- Vilanterol. This drug is also a long-acting bronchodilator that reduces and prevents airway narrowing.
Possible side effects include cough, sore throat, and trouble swallowing.