Combination Medications Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions A combination treatment for some lung diseases like asthma combines an inhaled steroid with a long-acting beta agonist. The inhaled steroid prevents and reduces swelling inside the airways. The long acting beta-agonist opens the airways in the lungs by relaxing smooth muscle around the airways. 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 persistent asthma. Common combination asthma medications include: Medicine name How the medicine works How the medicine is used Advair® (combination of fluticasome and salmeterol) Dulera® (combination of mometasone and formoterol) Symbicort® (combination of budesonide and formoterol) Prevents inflammation and reduces swelling inside the airways Opens the airways in the lung by relaxing smooth muscle around the airways Available as an MDI and dry powder inhaler Usually prescribed to take 2 times every day Talk with your doctor about side effects. This information has been approved by Ronina Covar, MD and Ann Mullen, RN, MSN, CNS, AE-C (December, 2012).