There are two types of bronchodilators: long and short acting. One of the most common short-acting medications is albuterol, often known by the trade name Ventolin™. When taken in its inhaled form, this "rescue inhaler" can relieve a sudden asthma attack and temporarily restore free breathing. The inhaled form can be from a pocket inhaler or used with a nebulizer. The effects generally last about two to six hours.
Albuterol is also prescribed as a pill or a liquid, usually taken four times a day, to control asthma symptoms throughout the day. It is important to remember that in this form, it should not be used to ease an asthma attack.
On the other hand, the long-acting bronchodilators can be effective for up to 12 hours. Two of the better-known medications are theophylline and Serevent, aka salmeterol. Like their short-acting counter parts, these medications work to relax and open the airways to ensure free breathing. The difference is that they work over a long period of time and can be helpful in treating exercise-induced or nighttime asthma.
Theophylline is generally prescribed as an oral medication while Serevent is commonly taken as an inhaled powder from a disk. It can also be administered through a pocket inhaler. Because they are long-acting medications, neither of these can provide immediate assistance during a sudden asthma attack. Remember to only use your medications as your doctor has prescribed them. Even though Serevent is inhaled, it will not do a job intended for your Ventolin™ inhaler.
Back in August of this year, the FDA approved Advair™, the combination Flovent/Serevent inhaler. Many asthmatics are already taking these medications separately and now they will be able to combine two steps into one. The match is perfect because each medication can be taken no more than twice a day and they perform different, but essential tasks in managing asthma. Flovent is an anti-inflammatory, reducing the chronic inflammation of the airways. Serevent works up to 12 hours keeping the airways from constricting. Both medications are approved for children and one less medication to take is always a plus.
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