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
Copay Assistance Programs
If you have commercial insurance or don’t have insurance: If you qualify, your cost will automatically be discounted when you buy these inhalers at participating retail pharmacies. If your cost is more than $35, download and use a savings card. Learn more at: InhalerOffer.com
If you have government-funded insurance: If you use Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE, visit the Boehinger Cares Patient Assistance Program webpage or call 800-556-8317 to apply for assistance.
Boehringer Ingelheim has capped the cost of their inhalers to $35 if you have commercial or private insurance. Learn more about the price cap.
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.
