Medicines for Asthma

These 17 medicines from the Drug Guide are used in asthma. A medicine appearing here does not mean it is right for every person with the condition — your prescriber matches the medicine to you. For videos, articles and guides, visit the Asthma condition hub.

MedicineBrand namesUsed for
AlbuterolProAir, Ventolin, ProventilAsthma attacks and flare-ups; COPD flare-ups
BeclomethasoneQvar, BeconaseDaily asthma control (inhaler); Nasal allergies (spray)
BudesonidePulmicort, Rhinocort, EntocortDaily asthma control (inhaler and nebulizer); Nasal allergies (spray)
DupilumabDupixentEczema (atopic dermatitis); Asthma of certain types
FluticasoneFlovent, Flonase, CutivateDaily asthma control (inhaler); COPD maintenance (in combination inhalers)
FormoterolForadil, PerforomistCOPD maintenance; Asthma maintenance, only in combination inhalers with a steroid
IpratropiumAtroventCOPD maintenance and flare-ups; Asthma flare-ups in emergency care, combined with albuterol
LevalbuterolXopenexAsthma attacks and flare-ups; COPD flare-ups
MethylprednisoloneMedrol, Solu-MedrolSevere allergic reactions; Asthma and COPD flare-ups
MometasoneAsmanex, Nasonex, EloconDaily asthma control (inhaler); Nasal allergies (spray)
MontelukastSingulairAsthma maintenance; Seasonal and year-round allergies
OmalizumabXolairModerate to severe allergic asthma not controlled by inhalers; Chronic hives
PrednisoloneOrapred, PreloneAllergic reactions; Asthma flare-ups, especially in children
PrednisoneDeltasoneAllergic reactions; Asthma and COPD flare-ups
SalmeterolSereventAsthma maintenance, only combined with an inhaled steroid; COPD maintenance
TheophyllineTheo-24, TheochronAsthma maintenance when other treatments are not enough; COPD maintenance when other treatments are not enough
TiotropiumSpirivaCOPD maintenance; Asthma maintenance (certain inhalers)
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.