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These studies suggest that asthma medications include vilanterol, fluticasone furoate, budesonide, formoterol, and biologic medications, while aspirin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors should be used cautiously.
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Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone in asthma management. They help reduce airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness, leading to improved symptoms and lung function. Common ICS medications include fluticasone furoate, budesonide, and ciclesonide . These medications are often used as 'preventer' therapies for patients who frequently use 'reliever' medications like short-acting beta2 agonists (SABA).
Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) such as formoterol and salmeterol are used in combination with ICS for better asthma control. Vilanterol is another LABA that offers the convenience of once-daily dosing, unlike the twice-daily administration required for formoterol and salmeterol. LABAs are effective in improving symptoms, lung function, and reducing exacerbations.
Combination inhalers that include both ICS and LABA are highly effective in asthma management. Examples include fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) and budesonide/formoterol. These combination therapies are designed to provide both maintenance and relief from asthma symptoms . Single inhaler therapy (SiT) with budesonide and formoterol has been shown to reduce exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids compared to separate maintenance and reliever therapies.
Certain medications can trigger asthma symptoms, leading to significant morbidity. Common drugs that can cause respiratory reactions in asthmatics include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The general approach is to avoid these medications or use them cautiously in asthmatic patients.
Biologic medications targeting the type 2 inflammatory pathway have been approved for severe asthma. These biologics, such as anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies, target cytokines like interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which are involved in eosinophilia and atopic features. These treatments have shown improvements in clinical biomarkers, exacerbation rates, lung function, and quality of life.
New anti-inflammatory therapies are being developed, including inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-4, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-kappa B. These therapies aim to provide more specific and effective treatment options, particularly for severe asthma .
Asthma management has evolved significantly with the development of various medications, including ICS, LABA, and combination inhalers. While traditional therapies remain effective, new biologic and anti-inflammatory treatments offer promising options for severe asthma. Understanding the names and functions of these medications is crucial for effective asthma management and improving patient outcomes.
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