Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of InhalersInhaler Color MeaningsNo Standard ColorsWhen to See Your Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Inhalers
Inhaler Color Meanings
No Standard Colors
When to See Your Provider
Inhaler colors often are used to identify specific types of inhalers (such as blue for rescue inhalers) that deliver medication into your lungs to improve breathing. There is no color coding of devices required in the United States, though the American Medical Association has called for a color consensus similar to that proposed in other nations.
Still, some manufacturers use consistent colors with aninhalerto show the kind of medication in the devices, which are used for conditions likeasthma, COPD, bronchitis, and more.This makes it easier to identify the right inhaler at a glance.
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The inhaler options have broadened in recent years, with products on the market that include everything from the short-acting Proventil (albuterol) rescue inhaler to next-generation SMART meds that combine an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-actingbronchodilator(LABA).
The medications inside inhalers work in different ways and are prescribed for various reasons.
Quick Relievers (Rescue Inhaler)
Relievers, or fast-acting rescue inhalers, are used when quick relief is required. These medications quickly open the airways and relieve sudden, acute symptoms.They take effect fast but also wear off in a shorter time than other inhaled medications. These products include:
Maintenance and Prevention
Preventers (controllers) are medications to help manage symptoms and prevent acute attacks.Depending on your prescription, they can be taken daily or multiple times a day. These medications include:
Long-acting bronchodilators should not be used for anacute asthma attackor severe difficulty with breathing. Be sure you understand the types of inhalers and know when to use them.
It’s also important to remember that some inhalers are meant only for people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and don’t treat asthma.These medications include:
Add-On Medications
In many cases, standard colors are used to identify different inhalers, making it easier to choose the right inhaler and medication. When looking for the color of your inhaler, look at the core color of the case rather than the cap. Colors include:
No Standard Color Codes
There is no standard color code for inhalers and no laws or rulings requiring their use in the U.S. The color-coding system is optional, and each inhaler manufacturer gets to determine what color to use when making an inhaler device.
A 2017 report from the AMA calls for action on helping people to better understand their inhaler use, including the use of color codes.A 2016 study of healthcare providers in the United Kingdom found that 45% used color when talking with patients, for example, telling them to use the “blue” inhaler if their symptoms get worse.
Inconsistent color use for inhalers may be risky if you do not read the medication labels carefully.
Since there is no real inhaler color meaning, do not rely on the color or appearance of the inhaler itself. Be sure to read the medication label with the name every time. Speak with your medical team if you have any questions or concerns about your prescriptions.
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you need to use an inhaler more often than usual, if your symptoms are not getting better with your inhalers, or if you have new or worsening breathing problems that include:
Seek immediate care if your lips or skin turn blue (cyanosis) your breathing rate is higher than 30 breaths per minute, or your effort causes skin retractions over your ribs or your nostrils to flare.
Summary
There are no regulations for inhaler colors in the United States, although some manufacturers follow a color-coding standard. Blue, for example, can mean the inhaler is for quick symptom relief.
Every time you use an inhaler for asthma, COPD, or another condition you should confirm the medication label and use the correct inhaler. Different kinds of inhalers have different effects; they’re not all designed for the same condition, and you want to use the right one at the right time. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Government of Western Australia Department of Health.Asthma medications and inhaler devices.American Medical Association.Universal Color Scheme for Respiratory Inhalers.Rogliani P, Calzetta L, Coppola A, et al.Optimizing drug delivery in COPD: the role of inhaler devices.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;124:6-14. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.01.006Fletcher M, Scullion J, White J, Thompson B, Capstick T.Is the ‘blue’ colour convention for inhaled reliever medications important? A UK-based survey of healthcare professionals and patients with airways disease.npj Prim Care Resp Med. 2016;26(1):16081. doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.81American Lung Association.Asthma and COPD Medicines.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma treatment and action plan.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma medicines and treatment.American Lung Association.When To See Your Doctor about Asthma.Bush A, Dalziel SR, Byrnes CA, Hatter L, Beasley R.Has the time come to end use of the blue inhaler?The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2021;9(6):e51. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00185-5Drug Information Portal (NIH).Advair.Drug Information Portal (NIH).Symbicort.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Government of Western Australia Department of Health.Asthma medications and inhaler devices.American Medical Association.Universal Color Scheme for Respiratory Inhalers.Rogliani P, Calzetta L, Coppola A, et al.Optimizing drug delivery in COPD: the role of inhaler devices.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;124:6-14. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.01.006Fletcher M, Scullion J, White J, Thompson B, Capstick T.Is the ‘blue’ colour convention for inhaled reliever medications important? A UK-based survey of healthcare professionals and patients with airways disease.npj Prim Care Resp Med. 2016;26(1):16081. doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.81American Lung Association.Asthma and COPD Medicines.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma treatment and action plan.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma medicines and treatment.American Lung Association.When To See Your Doctor about Asthma.Bush A, Dalziel SR, Byrnes CA, Hatter L, Beasley R.Has the time come to end use of the blue inhaler?The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2021;9(6):e51. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00185-5Drug Information Portal (NIH).Advair.Drug Information Portal (NIH).Symbicort.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Government of Western Australia Department of Health.Asthma medications and inhaler devices.American Medical Association.Universal Color Scheme for Respiratory Inhalers.Rogliani P, Calzetta L, Coppola A, et al.Optimizing drug delivery in COPD: the role of inhaler devices.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;124:6-14. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.01.006Fletcher M, Scullion J, White J, Thompson B, Capstick T.Is the ‘blue’ colour convention for inhaled reliever medications important? A UK-based survey of healthcare professionals and patients with airways disease.npj Prim Care Resp Med. 2016;26(1):16081. doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.81American Lung Association.Asthma and COPD Medicines.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma treatment and action plan.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma medicines and treatment.American Lung Association.When To See Your Doctor about Asthma.Bush A, Dalziel SR, Byrnes CA, Hatter L, Beasley R.Has the time come to end use of the blue inhaler?The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2021;9(6):e51. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00185-5Drug Information Portal (NIH).Advair.Drug Information Portal (NIH).Symbicort.
Government of Western Australia Department of Health.Asthma medications and inhaler devices.
American Medical Association.Universal Color Scheme for Respiratory Inhalers.
Rogliani P, Calzetta L, Coppola A, et al.Optimizing drug delivery in COPD: the role of inhaler devices.Respiratory Medicine. 2017;124:6-14. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2017.01.006
Fletcher M, Scullion J, White J, Thompson B, Capstick T.Is the ‘blue’ colour convention for inhaled reliever medications important? A UK-based survey of healthcare professionals and patients with airways disease.npj Prim Care Resp Med. 2016;26(1):16081. doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.81
American Lung Association.Asthma and COPD Medicines.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Asthma treatment and action plan.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma medicines and treatment.
American Lung Association.When To See Your Doctor about Asthma.
Bush A, Dalziel SR, Byrnes CA, Hatter L, Beasley R.Has the time come to end use of the blue inhaler?The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2021;9(6):e51. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00185-5
Drug Information Portal (NIH).Advair.
Drug Information Portal (NIH).Symbicort.
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