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MEDICINES FOR ASTHMA
In whatever form they are for two
purposes:
a) Treatment during an
attack of Asthma
b) Prevention of an
attack
DRUGS FOR PREVENTION
WILL NOT WORK ON AN ACUTE ATTACK
FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR DRUGS
- Identify drugs which control the
frequency and severity of attacks but at the same time cause minimum side
effects.
- Keep a Diary of Dosage, how it is
taken and when it is taken.
- Keep note of the frequency and
severity of an attack.
DO YOU KNOW?
1. What drugs you are
taking?
2. What are the side
effects? If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist.
REMEMBER
1. Do not stop
treatment unless your doctor advises so.
2. Take your medicine
as advised.
3. Take oral medicine
with food.
4. After each
inhalation rinse your mouth to prevent dryness.
WAYS IN WHICH MEDICINES ARE GIVEN
1. Tablets
2. Inhalers
3. Dry powder or
nebulisers
4. Injections
TABLETS OR INHALER?
Advantages and disadvantages
| |
Tablets |
Inhaler |
| Dose |
Higher |
Lower |
| Side Effect |
More |
Little or none |
| Action |
Slower |
Fast |
SIDE EFFECTS OF SOME MEDICATIONS
1. Tremor
2. Restlessness
3. Muscle cramp
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Loss of appetite
7. Moon face
8. Weight gain
SPECIAL CARE IN TAKING TABLETS
Tell your doctor if you have :
- Gastric problems
- Heart problems
- Fits
DRUGS FOR DIFFERENT GRADES OF ASTHMA
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- Mild occasional Asthma: Inhaler when
necessary; tablets or syrup.
- Exercise induced: Inhaler 5 - 10 min.
before exercise.
- Nocturnal asthma: Inhaler or slow
release tablets.
- Chronic asthma - Moderate/severe:
Inhaled steroids/Cromoglycate Inhaled + Beta 2 stimulants + oral tablets
WHEN DO YOU NEED ORAL STEROIDS
1. Other
drugs fail to control your asthma
PREVENTION
Carry a "card" to indicate you
are on steroids.
DRUGS TO PREVENT ATTACKS
1. Inhaled steroids
2. Sodium cromoglycate
3. Ketotifen
Asthma Society of Malaysia
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