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Asthma

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory airway condition in which airflow varies over time, causing wheeze, cough, chest tightness or breathlessness.

Orapred

Prednisolone

2.5 · 5 · 10 · 20 · 40mg

Prednisolone tablets in five strengths from 2.5mg to 40mg, used for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and allergic states. A synthetic corticosteroid.

From$0.35/ tabletView

Prelone

Prednisolone

5 · 10 · 20 · 40mg

Prednisolone 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets, used for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and allergic states. A glucocorticoid acting on gene expression.

From$0.32/ tabletView

Ventolin Evohaler

Salbutamol

100mcg

Ventolin Evohaler is salbutamol 100mcg as a pressurised inhalation solution for asthma and COPD, a fast-acting beta2 agonist.

From$20.40/ inhalerView

Symbicort

Budesonide, Formoterol

160/4.5mcg

Budesonide with formoterol 160/4.5mcg as an inhalation powder, used for asthma and COPD. A corticosteroid for the swelling, an agonist for the airway.

From$46.75/ inhalerView

Advair Diskus

Salmeterol, Fluticasone

100/50 · 250/50 · 500/50mcg

Salmeterol with fluticasone inhalation powder in three strengths, used in the management of asthma and COPD. A long-acting beta2-agonist with a corticosteroid.

From$106.55/ inhalerView

Singulair

Montelukast

4 · 5 · 10mg

Montelukast 4mg, 5mg and 10mg, as chewable and film-coated tablets, used for asthma and allergic rhinitis. A leukotriene receptor antagonist.

From$1.08/ tabletView

Pulmicort

Budesonide

100 · 200mcg

Budesonide 100mcg and 200mcg, as inhalation powder and nebuliser suspension, used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

From$45.05/ inhalerView

Beclate Inhaler

Beclometasone

200mcg

Beclate Inhaler carries beclometasone 200mcg as a pressurised suspension for asthma. An inhaled corticosteroid that damps airway hypersensitivity.

From$43.69/ inhalerView

Seroflo Inhaler

Fluticasone, Salmeterol

25/125 · 25/250mcg

Seroflo Inhaler carries fluticasone with salmeterol as a pressurised suspension for asthma and COPD, a corticosteroid with a long-acting agonist.

From$34.00/ inhalerView

Ventolin Pills

Salbutamol

2 · 4mg

Ventolin Pills are salbutamol 2mg and 4mg tablets for asthma and COPD, the swallowed form of the beta2 agonist rather than the inhaled one.

From$0.47/ tabletView

Proair Inhaler

Salbutamol

100mcg

Proair Inhaler is salbutamol 100mcg as a pressurised suspension for asthma and COPD, a short-acting beta2 agonist for quick airway opening.

From$15.30/ inhalerView

Advair Rotahaler

Fluticasone, Salmeterol

50/250mg

Advair Rotahaler carries fluticasone with salmeterol as an inhalation powder for asthma and COPD, pairing an inhaled corticosteroid with a beta2-agonist.

From$1.81/ tabletView

Budecort

Budesonide

100mcg

Budecort is budesonide 100mcg as an inhalation powder for asthma and COPD. An inhaled corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory action in the airways.

From$35.02/ inhalerView

Theo-24 CR

Theophylline

400mg

Theo-24 CR is theophylline 400mg in a modified-release capsule for asthma and COPD, a methylxanthine that relaxes the bronchial muscle.

From$0.60/ tabletView

Uniphyl CR

Theophylline

400mg

Uniphyl CR is theophylline 400mg as a modified-release tablet rather than a capsule, for asthma and COPD. It inhibits the phosphodiesterase enzymes.

From$0.57/ tabletView

Theo-24 SR

Theophylline

200mg

Theo-24 SR is theophylline at the lower 200mg modified-release strength for asthma and COPD, a xanthine that raises cyclic AMP in the airway.

From$1.33/ tabletView

Proventil

Salbutamol

100mcg

Salbutamol 100mcg as a pressurised inhalation suspension, used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A short-acting beta2-agonist.

From$23.09/ inhalerView

Qvar

Beclometasone

200mcg

Beclometasone 200mcg as a pressurised inhalation solution for asthma. A corticosteroid delivered straight to the bronchial lining.

From$0.24/ capsuleView

Dulera

Mometasone, Formoterol

6/200mcg

Mometasone with formoterol as an inhalation powder for asthma. An inhaled corticosteroid for the inflammation, a long-acting beta2-agonist for the airway.

From$52.70/ inhalerView

Key points

  • Diagnosis should be supported by variable airflow limitation when possible because several heart and lung conditions can mimic asthma.
  • Frequent reliever use, night waking or activity limitation suggests poor control and a need to review preventer treatment.
  • Correct inhaler technique and adherence are essential; changing medicines cannot compensate for a device that is used incorrectly.

The listings below are not an asthma action plan; inhaler choice and dose depend on age, severity, device technique and current control.

Assessing control and triggers

Spirometry or peak-flow variability can support diagnosis. Reviews consider daytime and night symptoms, attacks, oral steroid use and reliever frequency. Viral infections, smoke, allergens, exercise and workplace exposures can trigger symptoms, while reflux or vocal-cord problems may coexist.

Relievers and preventers

Fast-acting bronchodilation eases acute tightening, while inhaled corticosteroid reduces underlying inflammation and future attack risk. Modern plans often ensure anti-inflammatory treatment accompanies reliever use. Device selection should account for inspiratory ability, coordination and preference; a spacer can improve delivery from compatible inhalers.

When to seek urgent care

Use the written action plan and seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, inability to speak in full sentences, exhaustion, confusion or little response to prescribed reliever treatment.

Further reading

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