Types of Medication for COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease that can make breathing difficult. Symptoms include breathlessness, chronic cough, and production of excessive phlegm. The symptoms can last up to a couple of weeks and lead to declining lung function, and an increased chance of death, and could be linked to severe anxiety.

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of COPD. COPD is the fourth-leading cause of death among people in the United States.

Medications used in the treatment of COPD aim to relax the muscles of the airways or reduce mucus levels in the lungs. The most common medications used for treating COPD include:

1. Short-acting bronchodilators: These medications quickly relax the muscles of the airways to relieve symptoms like cough and shortness of breath. The effects of the drugs may last anywhere between 4 to 6 hours. Some of the drugs used for treating COPD belonging to this class include:
   • Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA)
   • Ipratropium (Atrovent)
   • Ipratropium bromide and albuterol (Combivent)
   • Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
2. Long-Acting Bronchodilators: These medications relax the muscles of the airways for up to 12 hours. Some of the drugs used for treating COPD belonging to this class include:
   • Aclidinium (Tudorza Pressair)
   • Arformoterol (Brovana)
   • Formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)
   • Indacaterol (Arcapta)
   • Salmeterol (Serevent)
   • Tiotropium (Spiriva)
3. Steroids: These medications help ease swelling in the airways. Some of the drugs used for treating COPD belonging to this class include:
   • Budesonide (Entocort, Pulmicort, Uceris)
   • Fluticasone (Cutivate, Flovent HFA)
   • Budesonide and formoterol (Symbicort)
   • Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair)
4. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) Inhibitor: The FDA has approved roflumilast to help with COPD symptoms as it reduces swelling in the lungs and opens airways.
5. Mucoactive drugs: These drugs help reduce mucus or loosen it to be expelled from the body. Some of the drugs used for treating COPD belonging to this class include:
   • carbocysteine
   • erdosteine
   • N-acetylcysteine
6. Antibiotics: Antibiotics like azithromycin and erythromycin are useful against infections that may worsen COPD symptoms.

Some of the safest and most prescribed medications for COPD include:

1. Albuterol
2. Beclomethasone
3. Budesonide
4. Budesonide/formoterol
5. Fluticasone
6. Fluticasone/salmeterol
7. Fluticasone/vilanterol
8. Ipratropium
9. Ipratropium/albuterol
10. Tiotropium

Combination drugs are most effective in treating COPD compared to a single drug.

Common side effects of Short-acting bronchodilators include:

• Constipation
• Fast heartbeat
• Muscle cramps
• Shaking
• Dry mouth
• Headaches

Common side effects of long-acting bronchodilators include:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Fast heartbeat
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Shaking

Common side effects of steroids include:

• Coughing
• Higher risk of infections
• Infections of the mouth
• Hoarse voice
• Sore mouth or throat
• Weakened bones

Common side effects of Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) Inhibitor include:

• diarrhea
• weight loss

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The effects of COPD medications on pregnant women haven’t been researched well. Hence, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking these medications.

Drinking alcohol is unsafe, especially while taking COPD medications as it may interfere with those drugs. Alcohol can lower the effectiveness of some antibiotics and steroids. It is always advisable to consult your doctor to be aware of any interactions.