Medicines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Medicines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Some medicines for COPD help control or prevent symptoms. They are called maintenance medicines. Take these medicines every day. Or as instructed by your healthcare provider. Some are rescue medicines. Take these only when you have symptoms. These include more shortness of breath or chest tightness. Take this sheet with you to your next office visit. Ask your healthcare provider to help you fill it out.
Bronchodilators
What they do: Relax the muscles around airways. This lets you breathe more easily.
Short-acting beta-2 agonists. These start working shortly after you use them. They are rescue medicines.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Long-acting beta-2 agonists. These work more slowly than the fast-acting type. But the effects last longer. They are maintenance medicines.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Anticholinergics. Rescue: These may be used with a short-acting beta-2 agonist. This can help keep airways open.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Anticholinergics. Maintenance: There are long acting.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Methylxanthines. These are maintenance medicines. They have long-lasting effects. They may help if symptoms happen during sleep.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Corticosteroids
What they do: Reduce inflammation, swelling, and mucus. This lets you breathe more easily.
Inhaled corticosteroids. These medicines are taken with an inhaler or nebulizer. They are maintenance medicines.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Oral corticosteroids. These medicines are taken by mouth. They may be used when symptoms get worse.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
PDE4 (phosphodiesterase type 4) inhibitors
What they do: Reduce the risk for flare-ups if you have severe COPD.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Combination medicines
What they do: Combine the effects of different types of medicines. For example, a combination medicine may relax the muscles around the airways. And it may lessen airway swelling or inflammation.
My medicines: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Other medicines
Other medicines for COPD.
My medicine: __________________________________________
What it does: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Herbal products and supplements
Some products for COPD are available without a prescription. These include herbs, extracts, or supplements. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any of these products. They can interact with medicines you’re taking.
Updated:  
October 05, 2018
Sources:  
Management of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. UpToDate
Reviewed By:  
Alan J Blaivas DO,Wanda Taylor RN PhD,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC