Liquid Medication for Asthma

Asthma medication comes in liquid form that is taken as a syrup or inhaled in a nebulizer. Many asthma medications are available in multiple forms, and your doctor will determine the best form based on your requirements. According to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, doctors prefer inhaled medications over syrups because they have fewer side effects, require less medication, and take a shorter time to work.

Bronchodilators

• Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to move air in and out. Bronchodilators include long-acting beta-agonists for control, and short-acting beta-agonists for rescue. Albuterol is a nebulized, short-acting bronchodilator, and Proventil is a long-acting syrup.

Theophylline

• Theophylline is a specific type of bronchodilator used for persistent asthma symptoms. It is a long-acting medication that must be maintained at a constant level in the bloodstream.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and mucus. Budesonide is one type of inhaled-control corticosteroid. Prednisone is one type of syrup-rescue corticosteroid.

Cromolyn and Nedocromil

• Cromolyn and nedocromil reduce inflammation without using steroids. Both are nebulized control medications used to treat mild or moderate asthma symptoms. Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium are examples of generic medications.

Anti-IgE Therapy

• Anti-IgE therapy treats the root cause of allergic asthma. Because it is injected via IV infusions, it is typically only used with severe asthma.