Pulmonary Drugs

Short-acting beta-2 agonists — SABA (albuterol)

Bronchodilation for quick relief; ADR: tremor, tachycardia

Long-acting beta-2 agonists — LABA (salmeterol, formoterol)

Maintenance bronchodilation; ADR: tachycardia, headache

Inhaled corticosteroids — ICS (fluticasone, budesonide)

Anti-inflammatory for asthma/COPD; ADR: oral thrush, hoarseness

ICS + LABA combos (Advair, Symbicort)

Maintenance therapy for asthma/COPD; ADR: thrush, tachycardia

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast)

Reduces inflammation/bronchospasm; ADR: mood changes, headache

Mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn)

Prevents allergic bronchospasm; ADR: throat irritation

Anticholinergics — short-acting (ipratropium)

Bronchodilation; ADR: dry mouth, cough

Anticholinergics — long-acting (tiotropium)

Maintenance bronchodilation for COPD; ADR: dry mouth

Theophylline

Bronchodilator; ADR: toxicity—seizures, arrhythmias (narrow therapeutic window)

Oral corticosteroids (prednisone)

Reduce acute airway inflammation; ADR: weight gain, mood changes, hyperglycemia

Systemic steroids (methylprednisolone)

Used for severe asthma exacerbations; ADR: immunosuppression, hypertension

Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab)

Reduces allergic asthma; ADR: injection reactions, anaphylaxis (rare)

Anti–IL-5 agents (mepolizumab, benralizumab)

Reduce eosinophilic asthma; ADR: headache, sore throat

Cough suppressants (dextromethorphan)

Decreases cough reflex; ADR: dizziness, drowsiness

Expectorants (guaifenesin)

Thins mucus to improve clearance; ADR: nausea

Mucolytics (acetylcysteine)

Breaks up mucus; ADR: bronchospasm, unpleasant smell