LIVING WELL WITH COPD
Oral Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids (eg; prednisone)
reduce inflammation and swelling
in the airways. They make it easier
for air to flow in the lungs. However,
they have several adverse effects.
Their use is often limited for short
courses (5-7 days) to treat acute
exacerbations (flare-ups).
Theophylline
In some cases, people with COPD
don’t respond well to the most
commonly prescribed inhaled
medications. Theophylline relaxes
the muscles in the airway. It is often
combined with other medications,
particularly bronchodilators.
Theophylline is a non selective
phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor.
It has been used to treat COPD and
asthma for over 20 years. It is often
considered a fourth line therapy
for COPD due to its side effects. It
requires patients to have blood draws
to follow drug levels. Theophylline
It’s important to take all
your medications correctly
to get the best benefits and
improve your breathing.
Read the package inserts for
all your medications. Follow
the instructions exactly to
take each one. If you have
any questions about your
medications, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
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use may be associated with many
adverse effects. It may interact with
other medications you are taking. Your
doctor will need to check this. He or
she may order blood levels to make
sure your dose is not too high.
Roflumilast
The phosphodiesterase (PDE)
inhibitor roflumilast (Daliresp) inhibits
inflammation in the airway. It’s
indicated for people with frequent
episodes of chronic bronchitis. It has
been shown to reduce COPD flare-ups
in patients who are prone to flare-ups.
Roflumilast use may be accompanied
by diarrhea and nausea. Your health-
care provider may need to adjust your
dose or stop the medication.
Expectorants
Expectorants (mucolytic medicines)
are sometimes used to treat the
increased or thicker mucus that can
occur with COPD. This mucus clogs
airways, making it harder to breathe.
These medicines may help keep
mucus thin and more easily cleared
from the airways. The expectorant
most commonly used for COPD is
guaifenesin. Most studies, however,
show that drinking fluids is as good as
taking mucolytics.
Antibiotics
People with COPD are more prone to:
•
•
•
Colds
Flus
Pneumonia
To treat a bacterial infection and
reduce symptoms, your doctor may
prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Azithromycin may be prescribed to
reduce the risk of flare-ups. You may
be asked to take this three times a
week.