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 |
| SAMA | Short-Acting Muscarinic | Atrovent HFA | Ipratropium |
| SABA + SAMA | Combination Rescue | Combivent Respimat | Albuterol + Ipratropium |
| SABA + ICS | Anti-Inflammatory Rescue | Airsupra | Albuterol + Budesonide |
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, Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Mometasone |
| 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, Symbicort, Breo, Dulera, AirDuo | Fluticasone/Salmeterol, Budesonide/Formoterol, Fluticasone/Vilanterol |
| LAMA + LABA | Anoro, Bevespi, Stiolto, Utibron | Umeclidinium/Vilanterol, Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol, Tiotropium/Olodaterol |
| Triple Therapy | Trelegy, Breztri | ICS + LAMA + LABA |
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.