Copyright 2005 Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

PRIMARY CONTROLLER MEDICATIONS

These medications (also known as “anti-inflammatory” medicines) are used on an everyday basis, even during an attack, but especially in-between attacks to keep the asthma from coming back.  The dose can be changed over time, either increased or decreased, based on how well your child is doing with asthma.

Name of Medicine What it Does When to Use it Side Effects

CROMOLYN,
NEDOCROMIL

Intal©
Tilade©

(can be given as an inhaler or nebulizer)

Decreases the swelling or inflammation in the airways.

Takes several weeks to start working.

Only works if taken daily.

Everyday, even if feeling fine

Will NOT work to relieve an attack or flare

Headache

Cough

Sore throat

Hoarseness
BECLOMETHASONE,
BUDEDSONIDE,
FLUNISOLIDE,
TRIAMCINOLONE

QVAR©
Pulmicort© AeroBid©
Flovent©
Advair© Azmacort©

(inhalers [Pulmicort in nebulizer also])

Decreases the swelling or inflammation in the airways

Takes several days to start working

Only works if taken daily

Every day, even if feeling fine.

Will NOT work to relieve an attack or flare

Thrush (white patches or yeast infection in mouth).

Sore throat

Hoarseness

Rarely slowed growth
MONTELUKAST,
ZAFIRLUKAST

Singulair© Accolate©

(pills)

Decreases the swelling or inflammation in the airways

Takes several days to start working

Only works if taken daily

Every day, even if feeling fine

Will NOT work to relieve an attack or flare

Stomach ache

Headache