Medication can sometimes treat COPD completely. It may also reduce symptoms of the illness. Medications must be prescribed by a doctor after performing an examination of the patient.
NO PHARMACIST CAN DISPENSE MEDICATION TO A PATIENT WITHOUT A DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION.
Each medication has its own use and side effects. For these reasons, it is important to monitor physical condition while on medication. Many illnesses, if found in earlier stages, can be treated with the help of proper medication.
Best medications for COPD:
Bronchodilators: these medications are used to clean out blockages and remove shortness of breath.
Short-term bronchodilators: ease symptoms of the disease. They are said to treat COPD better when it is a stable disease. It includes medicines such as:
- Anticholinergic also known as ipratropium.
- Beta2-agonists also known as albuterol or levalbuterol.
- A combination of both medications like albuterol and ipratropium.
Long-term bronchodilators: these medications help reduce breathing problems in patients. Bitterly helps people who have consistent symptoms. It includes medications such as:
- Anticholinergic like aclidinium, tiotropium or umeclidinium.
- Beta2-agonists like formoterol or salmeterol.
- The combination of both medications or else taking beta2-agonist and a corticosteroid medication together.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors: these medications are taken to reduce the spread of COPD. The only available PDE4 inhibitor is in the form of roflumilast (Daliresp).
Corticosteroids: Prednisone is used in pill form to treat COPD or in an inhaler similar to those used by people with asthma.
Other Medications: Methylxanthines are used if COPD is in a critical stage. They can have severe side effects and is therefore not generally recommended except in extreme circumstances.
Syrup: many doctors prescribe medicinal syrup for people in early stages of COPD as it can help clean up the lungs. Syrup is also recommended for kids with this disease because they cannot take strong medications.
Capsules for steaming: there are special capsules that are used for steaming. The capsule must be punctured with a pin, and the liquid in it should be diluted in boiling water. Once the steam starts coming off, it should be inhaled deeply. The medicine in the capsule will be inhaled directly into the lung to provide some relief.
Theophylline: this medication is very costly. It prevents the spreading of the disease and helps restore regular breathing to the patient. Theophylline can have a lot of side effects including a headache, increased heart rate, and tension. These medications are recommended in low doses to avoid potentially harmful side effects.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are not used for prevention or as a cure. Instead, they help reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of the disease. The antibiotic azithromycin is the most effective kind of antibiotic for COPD.
SOURCE: https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/drugs#corticosteroids3
