• Inhaled corticosteroids: Beclometasone (e.g. Clenil Modulite, Qvar); Beclometasone + Formoterol (e.g. Fostair); Budesonide (e.g. Pulmicort); Budesonide + Formoterol (e.g. Symbicort); Fluticasone; Fluticasone + Salmeterol (e.g. Seretide)

• Bronchodilators: Selective beta2 agonists produce bronchodilation. Short-acting beta2 agonist is used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms while some long-acting beta2 agonists are added to an inhaled corticosteroid in patients requiring prophylactic treatment. Short-acting: Salbutamol. Long-acting: Salmeterol; Formoterol. Antimuscarinic bronchodilators: Ipratropium bromide; Tiotropium

• (LAMAs decrease bronchial inflammation and secretions as well as causing bronchodilation in people with COPD. However the bronchodilation onset is too slow for use in acute asthma)

• Theophylline

Resources

• Airways disease, use of corticosteroids (BNF)

• Asthma / COPD preparations & compatible devices (MIMS)

• Inhalers, a guide to breath-actuated devices (MIMS)

• Bronchodilators (BNF)

• Bronchodilators (NHS Choices)

• Corticosteroids - inhaled (CKS)