What is inhaled quick-relief medicines?

Bronchodilators are medicines that make it easier to breathe. They relax the airways of the lungs.

Short-acting bronchodilators work fast. They treat sudden breathing problems, like asthma attacks or wheezing. They aren't the same as long-acting bronchodilators. These are used every day to control asthma.

These short-acting medicines are often inhaled. They also come in the form of pills or liquids.

Here are some examples of inhaled quick-relief medicines. For each item in the list, the generic name is first, followed by any brand names.

• albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
• levalbuterol (Xopenex)

This is not a complete list of these medicines.

Inhaled quick-relief medicines relax the muscles lining the airways that carry air to the lungs. This helps increase airflow. These medicines work within 5 to 15 minutes.

• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• If your child uses an inhaler and spacer, talk with your doctor to be sure that you know how to use them the right way. Be sure your child uses them exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
• Try not to give your child an inhaled medicine when your child is crying because not as much medicine gets into the lungs.
• Pay attention to how often your child needs to use this medicine. Does your child need to use it more than 2 days a week within a month (except before exercise)? If so, your doctor may need to change the amount and number of controller medicines your child takes.
• Let your doctor know if your child has side effects from the medicine. These may include:
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • Headache and dizziness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Anxiety.
  • Hives and skin rash.
  • Nervousness or tremor (such as unsteady, shaky hands).

It’s possible to overuse quick-relief medicines for asthma. You may be using too much of your quick-relief medicines if you are using them on more than 2 days a week for symptoms of an asthma attack (except before exercise). Talk to your doctor if you are using them this often. It may mean that your asthma symptoms and inflammation are not well controlled.

Inhaled quick-relief medicines are used to help you breathe during an asthma attack. They may also be used before exercise to prevent asthma symptoms. And they may be used to treat people who have only mild asthma symptoms now and then. (This is called intermittent asthma.)

You may get anxious or have tremors (for example, you may have unsteady, shaky hands) when you use inhaled quick-relief medicines. You may also have a rapid heartbeat or palpitations.