ALBUTEROL

Proventil^© Proventil HFA^© Ventolin^©

(can be given as an inhaler or nebulizer, depending of the age of the child and the severity of the asthma)

Relaxes muscles around the airways

Works fast
Does not work on swelling (inflammation)

Only when child has asthma symptoms.

When peak flow is low. Before exercise or other known triggers.

Mild symptoms
Usually used every
3-4 hours

Moderate symptoms
Usually used every
2-3 hours

Severe symptoms
Up to every 30 minutes,
3 times only

Heart beats faster

Feel shaky, anxious

Increased activity

Stomach ache

Headache

If albuterol is needed more than a couple of times a week, then asthma is not under control

Xopenex^©

(only for nebulizer)

Only when child has asthma symptoms.

When peak flow is low.

Before excercise or other know triggers.

Used as above

Heart beats faster

Feel shaky, anxious

Increased activity

Stomach ache

Headache

If levalbuterol is needed more than a couple of times a week, then asthma is not under control

Atrovent^©

(inhaler or nebulizer)

Relaxes muscles around the airways (in a different way than albuterol)

Works somewhat fast

Does not work on swelling (inflammation)

Sometimes used in addition to albuterol for severe attacks if albuterol is not enough.

Not as strong as albuterol

Should not be used by itself instead of albuterol

Faster heart beat

Dry mouth

Orapred^©
Prelone^© Pediapred^©

methylprednisolone Medrol^©

(liquid or pills)

Relieves swelling (inflammation) in airways

Does not work quickly

Used for short periods of time
(5 days)

Severe symptoms
Contact your clinician when starting

Mood swings

Weight gain