LONG-ACTING BRONCHODILATORS  

Other names: long-acting relievers, long-acting beta agonist (LABA).  

Includes medicines such as Oxis, Serevent, Spiriva. See generic names here: Active Ingredients Guide for Asthma Medication.

HOW DO LONG-ACTING BRONCHODILATORS HELP ASTHMA?

Long-acting bronchodilators work to relax the muscles around the airways. They are called ‘add-ons’ because they should only ‘add on’ to your asthma treatment, not be used alone or as the first option. They are not a preventer treatment, as they do not reduce swelling in your airways. 

Long-acting bronchodilators last longer to help keep your airway muscles relaxed and open and most don’t work as fast as your reliever. They should NOT be used in place of your prescribed reliever or dual purpose reliever.   

Long-acting bronchodilators may be found in a separate inhaler (to be used as an add-on together with a preventer inhaler) or are included as part of a combination preventer inhaler.  

SIDE EFFECTS OF SPIRIVA

Side effects of Spiriva may include:

• Sore mouth, gums or throat
• Swollen, red, sore tongue
• Dry mouth
• Oral thrush
• Hoarse voice
• Coughing

Atrovent

Other names: Short-acting muscarinic antagonist/anticholinergic bronchodilator. 

The active ingredient is ipratropium.

HOW DOES ATROVENT HELP ASTHMA?

This add-on medicine helps in treating asthma attacks. It works by opening the narrowed tight airways to help with breathing, using a different pathway to relievers. It is usually used together with your blue/grey reliever.  

It begins to act quickly after use but may take up to 2 hours to give most benefit. 

It is only used when you have asthma symptoms. Ask your doctor how long you should use Atrovent after your flare-up.