COPD inhalers are commonplace in the treatment of COPD. But, understanding which-is-which and what-does-what can sometimes be confusing.
COPD inhalers can contain either a single medication or a combination of medications in one inhaler such as a bronchodilator, a corticosteroid, a combination of bronchodilators or a combination of bronchodilator and corticosteroid.
To follow is a list of the most common COPD inhalers on the market today:
1. Advair
Advair is a combination of two medications -- fluticasone, a corticosteroid, and salmeterol, a long-acting, beta-agonist bronchodilator. Advair is used for maintenance treatment of COPD.
Learn more about the different types of bronchodilators. Discover the pros and cons of corticosteroids as treatment for COPD.
2. Symbicort
Originally used for the treatment of asthma, Symbicort was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in February 2009, for maintenance treatment of COPD. Symbicort contains formotorol, a long-acting, beta-agonist bronchodilator, and budesonide, a corticosteroid. Read more about the FDA Approval of Symbicort for COPD.3. Combivent
Combivent contains two bronchodilators -- albuterol (a beta agonist) and ipratropium, an anticholinergic. Combination bronchodilator inhalers like Combivent, may help increase the bronchodilator effect of the medications, with the same or fewer side effects. Learn more about anticholinergic bronchodilators.
