Asthma & COPD agents
Rescue vs maintenance
Asthma and COPD — both the sudden attack and the daily control that prevents one.
Bronchodilators open the airways; inhaled corticosteroids reduce the underlying inflammation.
The 10 asthma & copd agents in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Albuterol | ProAir HFA / Ventolin | asthma/COPD rescue |
| Montelukast | Singulair | asthma, allergic rhinitis |
| Fluticasone | Flovent | asthma (maintenance) |
| Fluticasone / Salmeterol | Advair | asthma, COPD (maintenance) |
| Budesonide / Formoterol | Symbicort | asthma, COPD (maintenance) |
| Fluticasone / Umeclidinium / Vilanterol | Trelegy Ellipta | COPD, asthma (maintenance) |
| Fluticasone / Vilanterol | Breo Ellipta | COPD, asthma (maintenance) |
| Budesonide | Pulmicort | asthma (maintenance) |
| Tiotropium | Spiriva | COPD (maintenance) |
| Albuterol / Ipratropium | Combivent Respimat / DuoNeb | COPD exacerbations |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleAlbuterol is the rescue inhaler — fast relief, used as needed.
- check_circleInhaled corticosteroids are maintenance and must be used daily to work.
- check_circleRinse and spit after an inhaled corticosteroid to prevent oral thrush.
- check_circleMontelukast is an oral tablet, not an inhaler.
Montelukast carries a boxed warning for serious mental-health side effects, including mood and behaviour changes.
Rescue versus maintenance is the distinction to get right — a patient using a rescue inhaler too often needs review.
Drill asthma & copd agents the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the asthma & copd agents class? add
Albuterol, Montelukast, Fluticasone, Fluticasone / Salmeterol, Budesonide / Formoterol, Fluticasone / Umeclidinium / Vilanterol, Fluticasone / Vilanterol, Budesonide, Tiotropium, Albuterol / Ipratropium. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are asthma & copd agents used for? add
Asthma and COPD — both the sudden attack and the daily control that prevents one.
How do asthma & copd agents work? add
Bronchodilators open the airways; inhaled corticosteroids reduce the underlying inflammation.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.