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drug and inhaler treatments
There are a number of treatment options that may ease the symptoms of COPD.
It’s very important to know all your options so you and your healthcare professional
can develop a treatment plan that suits you best. Staying on top of your treatment
plan every day is vital to your comfort and your health. So read on about
the following drug and inhaler therapies—and be sure to talk to your healthcare
professional about them.
Medications that are prescribed for people with COPD may include:
- Short-acting beta2-agonists, such as albuterol; anticholinergic bronchodilators,
such as ipratropium bromide; and theophylline derivatives. All of these help to open
narrowed airways.
- Long-acting bronchodilators. These help relieve constriction of the airways and help
to prevent bronchospasm associated with COPD.
- Antibiotics, which are often given at the first sign of a respiratory infection to
prevent further damage and infection in diseased lungs
- Expectorants, which help loosen and expel mucus secretions from the airways,
and may help make breathing easier.
In addition, other medications may be prescribed to manage conditions
associated with COPD. These may include:
- Diuretics, which are given as therapy to avoid excess water retention associated
with right-heart failure, which may occur in some COPD patients.
- Digitalis (usually in the form of digoxin), which strengthens the force of the heartbeat.
It is used with caution in COPD patients, especially if their blood oxygen tensions are low,
since they become vulnerable to arrhythmia when taking this drug.
- Painkillers, cough suppressants, and sleeping pills, which should be used only with caution,
because they depress breathing to some extent.
You should strictly follow your healthcare professional’s orders regarding
all prescribed medications for COPD. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional
if you have any problems, questions, or concerns about your medications.
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