Respiratory

Albuterol

Short-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator)

Albuterol is a prescription bronchodilator that helps open the airways in the lungs. Albuterol is used to prevent and treat bronchospasm in people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing disorders. It works quickly by relaxing the muscles around the airways, often providing relief within minutes during asthma attacks or episodes of sudden shortness of breath. It is available by prescription only in several forms, including metered-dose inhalers (such as ProAir HFA), nebulizer solutions (such as AccuNeb), and tablets.

Budesonide

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)

Budesonide is a prescription corticosteroid used as a daily maintenance treatment to prevent and control asthma symptoms in adults and children. By reducing airway inflammation and swelling, it improves breathing and helps prevent asthma attacks. It is available as a dry powder inhaler and as a nebulizer suspension for those who have difficulty using inhalers. Budesonide must be used consistently as prescribed, even when symptoms are absent. After each use, rinse your mouth with water to help prevent oral thrush, a common side effect.

Budesonide/Formoterol

Combination inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA)

Symbicort is a prescription combination inhaler used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains a corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation and a long-acting bronchodilator to relax airway muscles, improving breathing. Used daily as maintenance therapy, Symbicort helps prevent asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups but is not intended for sudden breathing issues. It must be used exactly as prescribed and not for acute shortness of breath—use a rescue inhaler instead. Rinse your mouth with water after each use to help prevent oral thrush.

Fluticasone

Corticosteroid (nasal anti-inflammatory)

Fluticasone propionate is a corticosteroid nasal spray used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny or itchy nose caused by seasonal, perennial, or nonallergic rhinitis. It works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages to relieve allergy symptoms at their source. While not a decongestant, consistent daily use typically controls symptoms within several days.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol

Combination corticosteroid and long-acting beta₂-agonist (LABA) inhaler

Fluticasone propionate and Salmeterol is a prescription inhaler used to manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It combines a corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation and a long-acting beta₂-agonist (LABA) to relax airway muscles, helping to prevent wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is taken regularly, usually twice daily, for long-term symptom control and is not a rescue inhaler.

Hydroxyzine

Antihistamine (sedating)

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is a prescription antihistamine used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, allergic reactions, itching (pruritus), and nausea, as well as for sedation before or after medical procedures. By acting on the central nervous system, hydroxyzine produces calming and sedative effects while also blocking histamine-related symptoms such as itching and hives. It is often prescribed for short-term or intermittent use, particularly when non-sedating treatments are ineffective or inappropriate.

Ipratropium-Albuterol

Combination bronchodilator (anticholinergic + beta₂-agonist)

Ipratropium and albuterol are prescription bronchodilators commonly used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Available as generic versions of Combivent (inhaler) and DuoNeb (nebulizer solution), this combination provides dual bronchodilation by quickly relaxing airway muscles with albuterol, while ipratropium helps prevent ongoing airway constriction and excess mucus production. This therapy is typically prescribed for patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with a single bronchodilator. Improper or excessive use may increase the risk of side effects or reduce treatment effectiveness.

Promethazine

Antihistamine / Antiemetic / Sedative

Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, and sleep problems. It works by blocking histamine and dopamine receptors in the body, which helps reduce allergic reactions, calm nausea, and produce mild sedation. Phenergan may also be used before or after surgery to prevent motion sickness or to enhance the effects of pain or sleep medications.

Varenicline (Chantix)

Quit Smoking

Prescription smoking cessation medication that reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms to help adults quit smoking.

Zafirlukast

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist

Zafirlukast is a prescription medication used for the long-term management of asthma. It belongs to a class of drugs called leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs). These medications help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Zafirlukast is not a rescue inhaler and does not provide immediate relief during an asthma attack. Instead, it is taken daily to help prevent symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Although the brand name Accolate® has been discontinued in the United States, generic zafirlukast remains available.