Inhaled Medications for COPD

Medications

Inhaled Medications

"Rescue" Inhalers

Short Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA)

This class of medications is the quick acting symptom relief. These can be used for episodes of breathlessness.

These medications can be taken as required 2 puffs maximum 4 times per day.

In emergencies, this can be used 6 inhalations via a spacer. But overused it can lead to tolerance and less effect when really needed.

Respigen SalAir Ventolin

Bricanyl

"Preventer" Inhalers

Long Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA)

In COPD this is the first line preventative medications. It works by causing bronchodilation (relaxing of the airways).

These medications are usually taken once per day. They last 24 hours. There is no greater benefit if you take them more frequently. It will increase the likely side effects.

Spiriva Respimat

Spiriva Handihaler

Seebri

Incruse

Combination Long Acting Muscarinic Antagonist / Beta-2 Agonist (LAMA / LABA)

If your symptoms do not improve with the first line treatment you can be stepped up this category medications. The LAMA are in this inhaler so your previous inhaler should be stopped.

These medications are usually taken once per day. They last 24 hours. There is no greater benefit if you take them more frequently. It will increase the likely side effects.

Spiolto

Anoro

Ultibro

Inhaled Corticosteriod (ICS)

This type of inhaler is not a standard treatment for COPD but can be useful if you have frequent exacerbations or a background or symptoms of Asthma

These medications are usually taken twice daily, either 1-2 puffs at a time.

It is important to rinse your mouth after taking this inhaler to prevent oral thrush.

QVAR Beclazone Pulmicort

Flixotide

Here are the suggested inhalers to treat COPD. Not every inhaler is listed here as these inhalers are specifically for treating COPD.

Other inhalers

These are the other inhalers available in New Zealand. In COPD, they would be used as alternatives if the first line inhalers are not tolerated.

Short Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (SAMA) & SABA/SAMA

Atrovent & Duolin

Atrovent MDI (CFC-free) 20 mcg_pufffee97d55-b612-4363-8eb9-9fab0109dd9c.gif

These two inhalers are often used in initial management of COPD, however if you are needing them frequently then your doctor should consider a long acting inhaler instead.

They are both short acting inhalers. It should only be used 2 puffs 4 times per day.

This inhaler should not be taken with other medications of it type (i.e. Spiriva, Seebri, or Incruse). This will only increase unwanted side effects.

Duolin is both Salbutamol and Atrovent in the same inhaler.

Long Acting Beta2 Agonist (LABA)

Serevent

Onbrez

Oxis

These inhalers are long acting preventer inhalers. These are not a standard first line treatment for COPD but can be used if LAMA are not tolerated. There not recommended on their own.

Serevent is normally taken twice daily, it depends on the dose as to if once or twice daily.

Onbrez is one puff, once daily. The capsule should not be consumed.

Oxis is 1-2 puffs twice daily.