Medications for Chronic Lung Disease
This sheet can help you keep track of the medications you take for chronic lung disease. Ask your healthcare provider (HCP) for help filling out this sheet. Some medications are for “maintenance.” This means they help control or prevent symptoms. They should be taken as scheduled, even when you feel well. Other medications are for “rescue.” This means they are taken only when you have symptoms. If you’re not sure which medications to take when, ask your HCP or pharmacist.
Bronchodilators
What they do: Relax the muscles that tighten around airways. The airways get larger so air can flow through them more easily.
Short-acting beta-2 agonists. These start working shortly after you use them. As a result, symptoms are relieved quickly.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Anticholinergics. These may be used along with a short-acting beta-2 agonist to help keep airways open.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Long-acting beta-2 agonists. These work more slowly than the fast-acting type. But the effects last longer. They help relieve symptoms over time.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Methylxanthines. These have long-lasting effects. They may be useful if symptoms occur during sleep.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Corticosteroids
What they do: Reduce inflammation, swelling, and mucus production. This opens the airways and helps you breathe.
Inhaled corticosteroids. These help relieve symptoms over time.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Oral corticosteroids. These may be taken to treat severe symptoms. Or they may be taken during periods of worsened symptoms.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Phosphodiesterase Type 4 (PDE4) Inhibitors
What they do: Reduce the risk of exacerbations (periods of worsened symptoms) in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Combination Medications
What they do: Combine effects of different types of medications.
Names of medications I’m taking: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Other Medications
If you take other medication for chronic lung disease, fill in the information here.
Name: __________________________________________
What it does: __________________________________________
When to take: __________________________________________
Be Smart About Alternatives
You may have heard about herbal supplements or over-the-counter (OTC) products that are supposed to help with lung conditions. Keep in mind that “natural” doesn’t mean safe. Herbs, extracts, or supplements can interact with medications you’re taking. And some OTC products may cause organ damage. If you want to try these types of treatment, talk to your healthcare provider first.