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Combination Medications: Long-Term Control Medications

A newer treatment for some lung diseases like asthma combines an inhaled steroid with a long-acting beta agonist. In studies, a combination medicine like this reduced asthma symptoms and improved lung function. It is a convenient way to take these two medicines, which are both helpful in controlling, moderate to severe asthma.

Common combination asthma medications include:

Medicine name

How the medicine works

How the medicine is used
  • Advair (combination of salmeterol and fluticasone)
  • Opens the airways in the lung by relaxing smooth muscle around the airways
  • Prevents inflammation and reduces swelling inside the airways
  • Available as a dry powder inhaler
  • Usually prescribed to take 2 times every day

This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, MD (February 2006).

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

© Copyright 2008 National Jewish Medical and Research Center

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