Asthma
Asthma Medicines
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled with the right treatment plan. Your treatment plan will include avoiding asthma triggers and taking certain medicines.
Learn more about asthma treatments and management basics in our FREE self-paced online course for people with asthma.
Notes: “Flu” is listed as a side effect for some medicines. But these medicines do NOT cause the flu. The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. “Flu” may be listed as a side effect because it was reported as one during a drug’s clinical trials, and the FDA requires that it be listed as it was reported. But it may mean “flu-like symptoms” or “respiratory infections.” It is very important that you take your prescribed medicines as directed and get a flu shot every year. If you have any questions about side effects, talk to your health care provider.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America does not endorse a particular medicine or product.
Theophylline – Elixophyllin
Theophylline – Elixophyllin
Drug Name: Theophylline
Brand Name: Elixophyllin®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Xanthine
Form: Elixir
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea/vomiting
Headache
Insomnia
Theophylline – Generic
Theophylline – Generic
Drug Name: Theophylline
Brand Name: Generic
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Xanthine
Form: Capsules, Elixir, IV solution, Tablet
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea/vomiting
Headache
Insomnia
Theophylline – Theo-24
Theophylline – Theo-24
Drug Name: Theophylline
Brand Name: Theo-24®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Xanthine
Form: Capsule
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea/vomiting
Headache
Insomnia
Theophylline – Theochron
Theophylline – Theochron
Drug Name: Theophylline
Brand Name: Theochron
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Xanthine
Form: Tablet
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea/vomiting
Headache
Insomnia
Theophylline – Uniphyl
Theophylline – Uniphyl
Drug Name: Theophylline
Brand Name: Uniphyl®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Xanthine
Form: Tablet
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea/vomiting
Headache
Insomnia
Tiotropium Bromide – SPIRIVA Respimat
Tiotropium Bromide – SPIRIVA Respimat
Drug Name: Tiotropium Bromide
Brand Name: SPIRIVA® Respimat®
Medicine Use: Quick-relief
Type of Medicine: Anticholinergic
Form: Soft mist inhaler
Prescribing Info: https://www.spiriva.com/
Possible Side Effects:
Sore throat
Headache
Bronchitis
Sinus infections
You may experience other side effects if you have COPD. For more information, please see the SPIRIVA Respimat prescribing information.
Notes/Resources:
Instructions for Use
As of June 1, 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim has capped inhaler prices at $35 for people who are commercially insured or uninsured. Here are ways you may be able to save on this medicine:
- If you have commercial insurance and are eligible, the reduced out-of-pocket cost will be automatically applied at participating retail pharmacies. More than 90% of pharmacies across the country are participating in the program, making the change seamless and automatic for most people. There are no forms to fill out or websites to go to – the discount happens electronically with no action required.
- All other eligible people, including those whose pharmacies do not participate and people without insurance, can visit www.InhalerOffer.com to enroll for a savings card to present at pharmacies to receive the same $35 cap of out-of-pocket costs.
- Federal law prevents people on government insurance programs (Medicare/Medicaid/TriCare) from being eligible for this price cap program.
Zafirlukast – Generic
Zafirlukast – Generic
Drug Name: Zafirlukast
Brand Name: Generic of Accolate
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Leukotriene modifier
Form: Tablet
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Headache
Infection
Nausea
Diarrhea
Pain (generalized)
Weakness or lack of energy
Abdominal pain
Accidental injury
Dizziness
Myalgia
Fever
Back pain
Vomiting
Elevated liver enzymes indigestion
Zileuton – Zyflo CR
Zileuton – Zyflo CR
Drug Name: Zileuton
Brand Name: Zyflo CR®
Medicine Use: Long-term control
Type of Medicine: Leukotriene modifier
Form: Tablet
Prescribing Info:
Possible Side Effects:
Nausea
Upset stomach
Abdominal pain
References
Medical Review August 2018.
Knowing how to manage asthma is important for better health and quality of life. We offer an online course called ASTHMA Care for Adults. This comprehensive program covers a full range of topics everyone with asthma needs to know. This self-paced online course is presented in different formats, such as videos, animations, handouts and more.