Become a Patient

Medication Therapy

Your doctor may prescribe medications to control the symptoms of COPD. Most people with COPD take medications on a regular basis to decrease breathing difficulty. In addition, some medications are used only on an as needed basis to decrease shortness of breath. For many, a combination of medications are prescribed.

The important thing to remember is that there is no "best" drug regimen. Your medications must be individualized based on your symptoms and needs. Monitoring your COPD and working with your healthcare provider on an on-going basis is the best way to ensure that your medications are right for you.

The following is a discussion of the medications generally prescribed for people with COPD. Most of the medications fall into one of three groups:

  1. Bronchodilators (beta agonists; anticholinergics; theophylline)
  2. Anti-inflammatories (inhaled corticosteroids; corticosteroid pills)
  3. Antibiotics

Helpful Hints for Remembering Your Medications

  • Use a daily routine for taking your medications. Pick something you do everyday (i.e. waking up, brushing your teeth, eating meals, going to bed) and plan to take your medications around that activity.
  • Use a medication checklist or worksheet to record when you take medications. Place the checklist someplace visible to use as a reminder.
  • Pack your medications in pill boxes to help you remember to take them.

What are some tips to help organize my COPD medications ?

This information has been approved by Esther Langmack, M.D. (March 2006).

Note: This information is provided to you as an educational service of National Jewish Health. It is not meant to be a substitute for consulting with your own physician.

© Copyright 2008 National Jewish Health