Respiratory medication: what to know and how to use it safely
Breathing problems hit fast and feel scary. Knowing which respiratory medication does what — and how to use it — makes a big difference. This page gives clear, practical facts about the main drugs you’ll meet, common mistakes to avoid, and simple safety steps when buying or taking meds.
Quick overview: main types and when they’re used
Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA) like salbutamol/albuterol are rescue inhalers. Use them for sudden wheeze or breathlessness. Long-acting bronchodilators (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) help control chronic breathing problems when used daily.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) lower airway inflammation. People with asthma or COPD who have regular symptoms usually need ICS or a combo inhaler (ICS+LABA). Systemic steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone) are for severe flare-ups and should follow a doctor’s instructions.
Antibiotics treat bacterial lung infections. Not every cough needs antibiotics — viral bronchitis won’t improve with them. For specific conditions like cystic fibrosis, some antibiotics (for example, moxifloxacin) are discussed in our dedicated article because treatment choices depend on infections and resistance patterns.
Other options include mucolytics (acetylcysteine) to thin mucus and expectorants to help clear it, plus cough suppressants if cough is disrupting sleep. Always match the drug to the cause: infection, inflammation, or airway muscle tightness.
Practical tips: how to use meds and stay safe
Inhaler technique matters more than most people think. Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, press and inhale slowly, then hold your breath for 5–10 seconds. If using a metered-dose inhaler, a spacer reduces mistakes and gives more medicine to your lungs.
Keep rescue and controller inhalers separate and track doses. If you need rescue inhaler more than twice a week, tell your doctor — it usually means your controller needs adjusting.
For antibiotics and steroids, follow the exact dose and finish the course if told to. Stopping early can leave bacteria behind and increase resistance; overusing steroids raises side-effect risks.
Buying meds online? Only use licensed pharmacies and never skip a prescription for prescription-only drugs. Check pharmacy credentials, look for secure checkout, and avoid deals that sound too good to be true. Our site has guides on safe online purchases and buying specific drugs.
Watch for red flags: high fever, rapid breathing, blue lips, confusion, or chest pain — get urgent care. For long-term conditions, schedule regular reviews so your treatment stays right for you.
If you want more detail, see our articles on moxifloxacin for cystic fibrosis and alternatives to common steroids. Read those before changing treatment or buying medicines online. Breathe easier when your meds fit the problem and you use them the right way.
