A Comprehensive Guide by Medication Class and Clinical Use
1. Rescue & Quick-Relief
Used for immediate relief of shortness of breath (bronchospasm).
| Class | Mechanism | Brand Names | Generic Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| SABA | Short-Acting Beta-Agonist | Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil
Xopenex |
Albuterol
Levalbuterol |
| SABA + ICS | Anti-Inflammatory Rescue | Airsupra | Albuterol + Budesonide |
| SAMA | Short-Acting Muscarinic | Atrovent HFA | Ipratropium |
| SABA + SAMA | Combination Rescue | Combivent Respimat | Albuterol + Ipratropium |
2. Maintenance / Controllers
Daily preventers that reduce inflammation and keep airways open over time.
| Class | Mechanism | Brand Names | Generic Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICS | Inhaled Corticosteroid | Arnuity
Qvar Flovent* Pulmicort Asmanex Alvesco |
Fluticasone furoate
Beclomethasone dipropionate Fluticasone Budesonide Mometasone furoate Ciclesonide |
| LAMA | Long-Acting Muscarinic | Spiriva
Incruse Tudorza Seebri |
Tiotropium
Umeclidinium Aclidinium Glycopyrrolate |
| LABA | Long-Acting Beta-Agonist | Serevent
Striverdi |
Salmeterol
Olodaterol |
3. Combination Maintenance
| Class Type | Popular Brand Names | Generic Combination |
|---|---|---|
| ICS + LABA | Advair, Wixela, or AirDuo
Symbicort or Breyna Breo Dulera |
Fluticasone/Salmeterol
Budesonide/Formoterol Fluticasone/Vilanterol Mometasone/Formoterol |
| LAMA + LABA | Anoro
Bevespi Stiolto Utibron |
Umeclidinium/Vilanterol
Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol Tiotropium/Olodaterol Glycopyrrolate/Indacaterol |
| Triple Therapy
ICS + LABA + LAMA |
Trelegy
Breztri |
Fluticasone/Vilanterol/Umeclidinium,
Budesonide/Formoterol/Glycopyrrolate |
Medications in the same color shade can be substituted.
Key Acronym Guide:
SAMA/LAMA: Muscarinic Antagonists (Prevents tightening)
S vs L: Short-Acting (Fast) vs. Long-Acting (Maintenance)
*Note: Many brand name inhalers now have authorized generics. Always check with your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Manufacturer Coupons
We want to ensure your prescribed treatment is as affordable as possible. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer Copay Savings Cards that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.