Download Maintenance asthma medication

Allergy
Medications
Oral Antihistamines:
• These medications are used to block the action of
the histamine on the tissues. They do not stop the
formation of histamine.
• Possible side effects include: dry mouth,
drowsiness.
• OTC means medication is available over the
counter (without a prescription).
Sedating include:
brompheniramine (OTC)
cetirizine (OTC)
chlorpheniramine (OTC)
clemastine (OTC)
cyproheptadine
diphenhydramine (OTC)
hydroxyzine
levocetirizine
Non-sedating include:
CLARINEX ®
fexofenadine (OTC)
loratadine (OTC)
Allergy
Medications
Antihistamine Nasal Sprays:
• These medications are used to control nasal
allergy symptoms not already controlled by oral
allergy medication alone.
• Possible side effects include: bitter taste,
drowsiness, bloody nose, headache.
• They include:
azelastine (ASTELIN ®, ASTEPRO ®)
PATANASE ®
Allergy
Medications
Antihistamine Eye Drops:
• These medications are used to control ocular
allergy symptoms not already controlled on oral
antihistamines.
• WARNING: contact lens wearers must wait 10-15
minutes after using eye drops before putting in their
soft contact lenses.
• Possible side effects include: burning/stinging,
headaches, bitter taste.
They include:
OPTIVAR ®
ELESTAT ®
ketotifen (OTC)
PATANOL ® or PATADAY ™
LASTACAFT ®
BEPREVE ®
Allergy
Medications
Nasal Steroids:
• These medications are used to reduce
inflammation in the nasal passages and some are
approved to treat nasal polyps.
• Do not spray toward center of nose, instead aim
outwards in order to decrease side effects.
• Possible side effects include: bloody nose,
headache.
They include:
fluticasone propionate (FLONASE ®)
VERAMYST ®
flunisolide
RHINOCORT ®
OMNARIS ®
NASONEX ®
triamcinolone (NASACORT ® AQ)
QNASL™
ZETONNA™
Allergy
Medications
Anticholinergics:
• This medication help to control nasal drainage.
• Possible side effects include: headache, bloody
nose, nasal dryness, dry mouth/throat.
They include:
ipratropium bromide (ATROVENT® NASAL SPRAY)
Allergy
Medications
Mast Cell Inhibitors/Stabilizers:
• These medications are used to stabilize the cells
that release allergy chemicals in the body.
• They work best when taken at least 10-15 minutes
before exposure to your particular trigger(s).
• Possible side effects include: itching/burning at
site, bad taste in mouth, sore throat, headache.
They include:
Combination meds:
ALOMIDE ®
ketotifen (OTC)
ALAMAST ®
PATANOL ®
cromolyn sodium (CROLOM ®) PATADAY™
nedocromil (ALOCRIL ®)
ELESTAT ®
Allergy
Medications
Decongestants:
• These medications are used to reduce swelling in
the mucus membranes that cause nasal congestion,
stuffiness and runny nose. This is accomplished by
constricting the blood vessels thereby reducing the
blood flow.
• WARNING: prolonged use of these nasal sprays
can cause rebound congestion. Talk to your doctor
about any other medications or health problems you
have before taking a decongestant.
• Possible side effects include: increased blood
pressure, nervousness, heart rhythm disturbances,
insomnia.
They include:
oxymetazoline (AFRIN)
pseudoephedrine
phenylephrine
Antihistamines + Decongestants:
ZYRTEC® D
CLARINEX® D
CLARITIN® D
ALLEGRA® D
Allergy
Medications
Epinephrine:
• These medications are used to treat severe
allergic reactions but they are NOT a substitution for
immediate medical care. You must call 911 after
use.
• Possible side effects include: increased heart rate,
jittery.
They include:
EPIPEN ® and EPIPEN JR. ®
TWINJECT ®
Allergy
Medications
Topical Steroids:
• These medications are used to control skin
inflammation.
• Strengths vary from least potent (Class 7) to super
potent (Class 1).
• Do not use a topical steroids for longer than three
weeks without consulting your doctor.
• Possible side effects include: skin thickening,
changes in pigmentation, easy bruising and
redness.
They include:
aclometasone
betamethasone
desoximetasone
fluocinolone
fluticasone
hydrocortisone
hydrocortisone
mometasone
triamcinolone
amcinonide
desonide
fluocinonide
halcononide
clobetasol
halobetasol
Allergy
Medications
Topical (clacineurin inhibitors)
• These medications are used to control
inflammation but they are not steroids.
• Possible side effects include: skin burning.
They include:
pimecrolimus (ELIDEL ®)
tacrolimus (PROTOPIC ®)
Allergy
Medications
Leukotriene Modifiers:
• These medications are used to control swelling but
they are not steroids. They are effective in treating
asthma and rhinitis.
• Notify your doctor immediately if you develop
behavior or mood changes.
• Possible side effects include: upper respiratory
infection, fever, headache, sore throat, cough,
stomach pain, diarrhea, ear ache, runny nose.
WARNING FOR PKU: Cherry chewable tabs
contain phenylalanine (a component of aspartame).
They include:
Montelukast (SINGULAIR ®)
Allergy
Medications
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots):
• Immunotherapy (IT) is designed to desensitize a
person to specific allergens that trigger their allergy
symptoms.
• IT is not effective for food allergies or intolerances,
irritants such as cigarette smoke, odors or fumes.
• Allergy mixtures are tailored specifically for each
patient based on their standardized skin tests. Our
board certified allergists formulate each mixture.
• It may take six to nine months to notice benefits
from immunotherapy. Patients are typically on IT for
three to five years.
• Side effects may include local reactions such as
redness, itching or swelling at the shot site. There is
also a risk of potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis
(a severe allergic reaction). For this reason, it must
be given in a medical facility capable of treating
anaphylaxis.