Combination Medications- Some inhalers and nebulizer treatments are available as combination therapy- one inhaler or nebulizer treatment contains more than one type of medication. Short-Acting Anticholinergics plus Short-Acting Bronchodilators: These medications combine the actions of the two different types of bronchodilators into one inhaler or nebulizer solution. A few common short-acting anticholinergics and short-acting bronchodilators include:
- Duo-Neb® (Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol)- nebulizer
- Combivent Respimat® (Ipratropium Bromide/Albuterol)- inhaler
- Combination Long-Acting Bronchodilators and Long-acting Anticholinergics: These inhalers contain both a long-acting bronchodilator and a long-acting anticholinergic. These medications work by relaxing the muscles in your lungs, helping to relieve shortness of breath and prevent exacerbations. These medications usually last 12 to 24 hours and can be used once or twice daily. A few common combination long-acting bronchodilators and long-acting anticholinergics include:
- Anoro Ellipta® (Umeclidinium / Vilanterol)- inhaler
- Stiolto Respimat® (Tiotropium / Olodaterol)- inhaler
Combination Long-acting Bronchodilators and Inhaled Corticosteroids: These combination inhalers can be helpful for people who have frequent exacerbations. These medications last 12 to 24 hours and are taken once or twice a day. A few common combination long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids include:
- Advair® (Fluticasone / Salmeterol)- inhaler
- Breo Ellipta® (Fluticasone Furoate / Vilanterol)- inhaler
- Symbicort® (Budesonide / Formoterol)- inhaler
Combination Corticosteroid, Long-Acting Anticholinergic Bronchodilators, plus Long-Acting Bronchodilators (“Triple Therapy”): These medications relax the muscles around your bronchial tubes and decrease the inflammation in your lungs, reducing your respiratory symptoms and helping to prevent exacerbations. A few common triple therapy inhalers include:
- Trelegy Ellipta® (Fluticasone /Umeclidinium/ Vilanterol)- inhaler
- Breztri Aerosphere® (Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/ Formoterol Fumarate)- inhaler