Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsQuick-Relief InhalersLong-Acting InhalersOral MedicationsInjectionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Quick-Relief Inhalers
Long-Acting Inhalers
Oral Medications
Injections
Frequently Asked Questions
Asthmais a condition that can require immediate and ongoing management, and finding the right asthma medication is an important part of that.
Most medications for asthma are inhaled and go right to the lungs to open the airways or reduce chronic airwayinflammation. There are also oral medications and injections available that may be added to a treatment plan if asthma isn’t well controlled or if you haveallergic asthma(which happens in response to allergen exposure).
However, there is no one “best” asthma medication. Rather, there are a variety of short-term and long-term treatments for asthma that may be preferred depending on their role In your asthma care, yourasthma severity, and your triggers.
Below, you’ll find a guide to the asthma medications currently available. To determine the best asthma medication and protocol for you, discuss yourasthma symptomsand their frequency with your healthcare provider.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Also known as rescue inhalers, quick-relief inhalers are short-term medications for acute asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Everyone with asthma should have a quick-relief inhaler. It may be the only medication needed for:
Inhaled Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs)
Inhaledshort-acting beta-agonists (SABAs)are bronchodilators that help quickly widen your airways, allowing for improved air flow.This type of prescription asthma medication is the drug of choice for acute relief of asthma symptoms and can prevent symptoms from getting worse, so it is important to always keep yours with you at all times.
SABAs typically come in hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) aerosol sprays or dry powder inhalers that are handheld and portable. These quick-relief inhalers can typically be used as needed for asthma symptoms with a max of about three treatments every 20 minutes for adults.There are also SABA solutions that can be used with a nebulizer (a machine with a face mask that helps you inhale a fine mist).
These short-acting inhalers can cause side effects that include jitteriness and heart palpitations.
If you start using SABAs more than twice a week for your asthma, contact your healthcare provider. This is a sign that more long-term control medication may be needed.
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Long-acting inhalers are the most common type of control medication used for asthma. They usually take a few days to a few weeks to start working, but you should notice less and less of a need to reach for your rescue medication after that.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Inhaled corticosteroids, also called inhaled steroids, are a first-line treatment for asthma and are the most effective medications for long-term control ofpersistent asthma.
When used daily, the anti-inflammatory properties in these inhalers reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms in adults and children. These medications are available as aerosol inhalers, powder inhalers, or as solutions for nebulizers.
Most inhaled corticosteroids are taken twice a day, although some (such as Arnuity Ellipta) are FDA-approved to be taken once a day.
If you don’t have a reduction in frequency or severity of asthma symptoms within four to six weeks of starting a new controller medication, the treatment likely needs to be adjusted.
Inhaled Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs)
Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs)are bronchodilators whose effects last for 12 hours or more. They are an add-on treatment for the prevention of symptoms and are not used to treat acute asthma or asthma exacerbations.
LABAs should only be used in conjunction with inhaled steroids and are only prescribed when a low dose of inhaled corticosteroids isn’t enough to manage symptoms.
LABAs can have severe side effects, including severe asthma exacerbations that, while rare, increase the risk of asthma-related deaths. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a heart, central nervous system, or metabolic disorder, as this may further increase your risk of these events.
LABAs may also increase the risk of hospitalizations in children and adolescents.
If breathing or wheezing gets worse when using LABAs, stop immediately and seek immediate medical help if bronchospasm is not controlled with another asthma medication.
Combined Therapy Inhalers
Combination inhalersadminister inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs simultaneously. These are commonly used once a LABA is added.
Inhaled Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists (LAMAs)
Inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are anticholergenic drugs that are typically prescribed forchronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). They are another type of bronchodilator, and they target muscarinic receptors that can become dysfunctional in allergic asthma.
LAMAs are sometimes prescribed as an add-on treatment if asthma isn’t well controlled with a combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs. The main brand of this medication used for asthma is Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide), an inhalation spray.
Studies suggest that when LAMAs are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs, they may further reduce the need for rescue oral steroids compared to using only LABAs and inhaled corticosteroids. However, more research is needed.
Common side effects of LAMAs includesore throat, cough, dry mouth, and sinus infections. Serious side effects include a risk ofglaucoma(increased pressure in the eye) or new or worsening urinary retention.
If you combine Spiriva with other anticholinergic medicines, side effects may increase.
Research has also found a link between long-term use of strong anticholergenics—tricyclic antidepressants, first-generation antihistamines, bladder antimuscarinics—and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.Inhaled anticholergenics were not part of the research, so whether or not these medications also increase risk is unclear.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, problems passing urine, or blockage in your bladder, as this can increase your risk of adverse effects when using a LAMA. Careful monitoring may be needed.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cells are immune cells in your connective tissue. When you’re exposed to an allergen, they play a major role in triggering the release of immune system mediators (such ashistamine) and signaling proteins (such ascytokines) that cause inflammatory responses and can trigger asthma.
Mast cell stabilizers are another treatment option for allergic asthma, since they can help stop these immune system signals.
The main mast cell stabilizer used is cromolyn sodium, which is available as a generic medication. Like all drugs of this kind, it’s a solution that gets inhaled using a nebulizer (in this case, about four times a day) to prevent symptoms.
Common side effects of cromolyn sodium include drowsiness, hoarseness, or upset stomach. These may resolve after you adjust to the medication.
Oral medications may be prescribed as controller medications. Others may be used either as long-term treatment or to address acute symptoms.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers are asthma controller medications that are sometimes used in combination with inhaled steroids or as an alternative option for adults or children who are unable to take inhaled corticosteroids, don’t want to take them, or tend to forget doses.
Leukotriene modifiers often come in oral tablets that are taken once daily. They target molecules called leukotrienes that contribute to airway constriction and inflammation in asthma.
Common leukotreine modifiers used for allergies and asthma include:
Singulair for childrenis also available in chewable tablets or oral granules.
Singulair may cause behavior or mood changes, including suicidal thoughts, in some people.Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any mental health changes while taking Singulair.
Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids may be taken as a short course during an asthma attack to quickly manage symptoms and reduce inflammation, or they may be prescribed for long-term treatment.
Common oral corticosteroids include:
Because oral corticosteroids are systemic treatments (i.e., they affect the whole body, not just the lungs), these drugs can have more serious side effects than inhaled corticosteroids.Due to this increased risk of side effects, they are typically used only if the asthma is moderate to severe and other medications haven’t been effective.
Common side effects include agitation, headache, fluid retention, increased appetite, andweightgain. Serious side effects may include bone loss, impaired hormone production, behavioral or mood disturbances (mood swings, personality changes, euphoria, psychosis), and an increased risk of heart problems.
Oral corticosteroids also suppress the immune system, which can make you more susceptible to infections. If you have an active bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infection, you may need to delay treatment with oral corticosteroids.
Methylxanthines
Methylxanthines are mild stimulants. Theophylline, originally derived from plant compounds in tea and also found in cocoa, is typically used as an add-on treatment for asthma.
Theophylline helps relax the branches of the airways and can reverse corticosteroid resistance, which is when lung function doesn’t improve despite high doses of corticosteroids.Theophylline comes in slow-release tablets and capsules, as well as a solution that you drink. It can also be injected during severe asthma attacks.
Common brands of theophylline include:
Common side effects, which often resolve as your body adjusts to the medication, include headaches, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
Medications That May Worsen AsthmaSome medicines can trigger asthma flare-ups or prompt or worsen other respiratory symptoms, such as coughing. Inform every healthcare provider that treats you about your asthma and pay attention to asthma symptoms if you take any of the following medications.Beta-blockers: While cardio-specific beta-blockers are only supposed to act on the heart, older beta-blockers areknown to worsen asthma symptoms.AspirinNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in those with an allergy to NSAIDsAngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Medications That May Worsen Asthma
Some medicines can trigger asthma flare-ups or prompt or worsen other respiratory symptoms, such as coughing. Inform every healthcare provider that treats you about your asthma and pay attention to asthma symptoms if you take any of the following medications.Beta-blockers: While cardio-specific beta-blockers are only supposed to act on the heart, older beta-blockers areknown to worsen asthma symptoms.AspirinNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in those with an allergy to NSAIDsAngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Some medicines can trigger asthma flare-ups or prompt or worsen other respiratory symptoms, such as coughing. Inform every healthcare provider that treats you about your asthma and pay attention to asthma symptoms if you take any of the following medications.
For those with year-round allergies and moderate to severe allergic asthma, there are biological therapies that can help address the underlying allergy to try to prevent breathing issues.
Immunomodulators
Immunomodulators are biologic medications for severe asthma that target specific parts of the immune response to allergens, such asimmunoglobulin E(IgE) antibodies andwhite blood cellscalled eosinophils that can increase lung inflammation. They are typically used as an adjunct therapy for asthma.
Injections that target IgE antibodies include:
Injections that help reduce eosinophils are only used for people with severeeosinophilic asthma. These medications target cytokines and include the following.
Cinqair, Fasenra, and Nucala interfere with interleuken-5 (IL-5), a cytokine that controls blood levels of eosinophils. Dupixent interferes with interleuken-4 (IL-4), which plays a role in the movement of eosinophils and the activation of IgE antibodies.
To help determine if you have severe eosinophilic asthma, your healthcare provider can give you a blood test that measures eosinophil levels.
Common side effects of immunomodulators include pain, fatigue,pruritus(itchy skin), anddermatitis(irritated or inflamed skin).
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapyexposes you to small amounts of an allergen over time in order to decrease your body’s reactivity it. This is a long-term treatment, and it may take more than a year to see any improvement in allergy symptoms or allergic asthma.
The type of immunotherapy used is based on the allergens you react to. Your healthcare provider will want to do skin-prick test or run bloodwork to confirm your allergies before starting immunotherapy.
Most people are aware of the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection form of immunotherapy, more commonly known as allergy shots. If your healthcare provider is administering these injections, you may be asked to wait about 30 minutes after administration so you can be monitored for an allergic reaction.
If an injection is not desirable or practical, immunotherapy can also be delivered via sublingual (under the tongue) dissolving tablets.
Prescription immunotherapy tablets include:
If you are prescribed tablets, your healthcare provider will want to monitor you during the first doses to make sure they don’t trigger a serious allergic reaction. Thereafter, you can take the tablets at home; you will likely be prescribed anepinephrine auto-injectorin case you develop a severe reaction.
Allergic Reactions From Asthma MedicationsMost medications for asthma carry a risk of severe allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop or worsen after taking an asthma medication:WheezingCoughShortness of breathChest tightnessDizziness/faintingRapid or weak heartbeatFacial flushingItchingHivesSwelling of the throat or tongue; trouble swallowing
Allergic Reactions From Asthma Medications
Most medications for asthma carry a risk of severe allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop or worsen after taking an asthma medication:WheezingCoughShortness of breathChest tightnessDizziness/faintingRapid or weak heartbeatFacial flushingItchingHivesSwelling of the throat or tongue; trouble swallowing
Most medications for asthma carry a risk of severe allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop or worsen after taking an asthma medication:
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe different types of asthma treatment include quick-relief inhalers, long-acting inhalers, oral medications, and injections. The frequency and severity of symptoms will determine which type of treatment is best for every person.No, there is not a cure for asthma. However, there are medications that can control symptoms effectively. A healthcare provider can review symptom frequency, severity, and potential triggers to help determine an effective plan for asthma management.
The different types of asthma treatment include quick-relief inhalers, long-acting inhalers, oral medications, and injections. The frequency and severity of symptoms will determine which type of treatment is best for every person.
No, there is not a cure for asthma. However, there are medications that can control symptoms effectively. A healthcare provider can review symptom frequency, severity, and potential triggers to help determine an effective plan for asthma management.
Signs and Symptoms That Your Asthma Is Not Well Controlled
16 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.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is asthma?National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma (EPR-3).Dennis RJ, Solarte I, Rodrigo G.Asthma in adults.BMJ Clin Evid. 2011;2011:1512.Alagha K, Palot A, Sofalvi T, et al.Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic airway diseases.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2014;5(2):85-98. doi:10.1177/2040622313518227Kew KM, Dahri K.Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to combination long-acting beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) versus LABA/ICS for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016;(1):CD011721. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011721.pub2Gray SL, Anderson ML, Dublin S, et al.Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia: A prospective cohort study.JAMA Intern Med.2015;175(3):401-7. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.7663Hon KL, Leung TF, Leung AK.Clinical effectiveness and safety of montelukast in asthma. What are the conclusions from clinical trials and meta-analyses?Drug Des Devel Ther.2014;8:839-50. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S39100U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires stronger warning about risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with asthma and allergy medication Singulair and generic montelukast.Yasir M, Goyal A, Sonthalia S.Corticosteroid adverse effects. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Barnes PJ.Theophylline.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;188(8):901-6. doi:10.1164/rccm.201302-0388PPThomson NC, Chaudhuri R.Omalizumab: Clinical use for the management of asthma.Clin Med Insights Circ Respir Pulm Med. 2012;6:27–40. doi:10.4137/CCRPM.S7793U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xolair.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Cinqair.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunotherapy.Allergy shots (immunotherapy).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Immunotherapy with allergy tablets.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma treatment.
16 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.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is asthma?National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma (EPR-3).Dennis RJ, Solarte I, Rodrigo G.Asthma in adults.BMJ Clin Evid. 2011;2011:1512.Alagha K, Palot A, Sofalvi T, et al.Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic airway diseases.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2014;5(2):85-98. doi:10.1177/2040622313518227Kew KM, Dahri K.Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to combination long-acting beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) versus LABA/ICS for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016;(1):CD011721. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011721.pub2Gray SL, Anderson ML, Dublin S, et al.Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia: A prospective cohort study.JAMA Intern Med.2015;175(3):401-7. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.7663Hon KL, Leung TF, Leung AK.Clinical effectiveness and safety of montelukast in asthma. What are the conclusions from clinical trials and meta-analyses?Drug Des Devel Ther.2014;8:839-50. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S39100U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires stronger warning about risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with asthma and allergy medication Singulair and generic montelukast.Yasir M, Goyal A, Sonthalia S.Corticosteroid adverse effects. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Barnes PJ.Theophylline.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;188(8):901-6. doi:10.1164/rccm.201302-0388PPThomson NC, Chaudhuri R.Omalizumab: Clinical use for the management of asthma.Clin Med Insights Circ Respir Pulm Med. 2012;6:27–40. doi:10.4137/CCRPM.S7793U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xolair.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Cinqair.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunotherapy.Allergy shots (immunotherapy).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Immunotherapy with allergy tablets.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma treatment.
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.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is asthma?National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma (EPR-3).Dennis RJ, Solarte I, Rodrigo G.Asthma in adults.BMJ Clin Evid. 2011;2011:1512.Alagha K, Palot A, Sofalvi T, et al.Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic airway diseases.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2014;5(2):85-98. doi:10.1177/2040622313518227Kew KM, Dahri K.Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to combination long-acting beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) versus LABA/ICS for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016;(1):CD011721. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011721.pub2Gray SL, Anderson ML, Dublin S, et al.Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia: A prospective cohort study.JAMA Intern Med.2015;175(3):401-7. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.7663Hon KL, Leung TF, Leung AK.Clinical effectiveness and safety of montelukast in asthma. What are the conclusions from clinical trials and meta-analyses?Drug Des Devel Ther.2014;8:839-50. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S39100U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires stronger warning about risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with asthma and allergy medication Singulair and generic montelukast.Yasir M, Goyal A, Sonthalia S.Corticosteroid adverse effects. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.Barnes PJ.Theophylline.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;188(8):901-6. doi:10.1164/rccm.201302-0388PPThomson NC, Chaudhuri R.Omalizumab: Clinical use for the management of asthma.Clin Med Insights Circ Respir Pulm Med. 2012;6:27–40. doi:10.4137/CCRPM.S7793U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xolair.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Cinqair.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunotherapy.Allergy shots (immunotherapy).American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Immunotherapy with allergy tablets.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma treatment.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is asthma?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma (EPR-3).
Dennis RJ, Solarte I, Rodrigo G.Asthma in adults.BMJ Clin Evid. 2011;2011:1512.
Alagha K, Palot A, Sofalvi T, et al.Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic airway diseases.Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2014;5(2):85-98. doi:10.1177/2040622313518227
Kew KM, Dahri K.Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to combination long-acting beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS) versus LABA/ICS for adults with asthma.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2016;(1):CD011721. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011721.pub2
Gray SL, Anderson ML, Dublin S, et al.Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia: A prospective cohort study.JAMA Intern Med.2015;175(3):401-7. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.7663
Hon KL, Leung TF, Leung AK.Clinical effectiveness and safety of montelukast in asthma. What are the conclusions from clinical trials and meta-analyses?Drug Des Devel Ther.2014;8:839-50. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S39100
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires stronger warning about risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with asthma and allergy medication Singulair and generic montelukast.
Yasir M, Goyal A, Sonthalia S.Corticosteroid adverse effects. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Barnes PJ.Theophylline.Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;188(8):901-6. doi:10.1164/rccm.201302-0388PP
Thomson NC, Chaudhuri R.Omalizumab: Clinical use for the management of asthma.Clin Med Insights Circ Respir Pulm Med. 2012;6:27–40. doi:10.4137/CCRPM.S7793
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xolair.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Cinqair.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunotherapy.Allergy shots (immunotherapy).
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Immunotherapy with allergy tablets.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma treatment.
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