Quick-Relief Medicines

The long-term control medicines, on pages 20 to 24, are used to prevent asthma attacks from happening in the first place, but if asthma is severe, asthma attacks can still happen. Your provider will provide quick-relief medicines that usually relieve an asthma attack once it starts or keep it from getting worse. The medicines quickly relax the muscles around your airways so you can breathe easier. These medicines can also be used to prevent attacks if used before you exercise.

No matter what kind of quick-relief medicine you use, always carry it with you. Never leave home without it! Make sure you know how to use it the correct way. Check expiration dates regularly to make sure it is still effective.

B E C A R E F U L

You can use quick-relief medicines too often. They make you feel better for a little while, but will not help if you need to use them every day. You may need long-term control medicines if you:
• Need quick-relief medicine more than twice a week.
• Wake up at night more than twice a month with asth ma symptoms.
• Need a refill more than twice a year.
(Baylor’s Rules of Two®) With good control, you should not need quick-relief medicines very often.

Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists
T H E S E A R E I N H A L E D

P O S S I B L E S I D E E F F E C T S

• Racing heart

• Nervousness and tremors (shaking)

ALBUTEROL SULFATE

(Proventil)
Also available in nebulized form

Anticholinergics T H E S E A R E I N H A L E D

P O S S I B L E S I D E E F F E C T

• Dry mouth

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE/ALBUTEROL
(Combivent) Combination Therapy

IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE
(Atrovent)

R E M E M B E R
• Set aside money for asthma medicine. Buy more before you run out.

• Ask your provider any questions you have about medicines. Asthma may get better or worse over the years. Your provider may need to change your medicines over time.

• Always check expiration dates.