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Pharmacy- Drug Information  

Drugs That Improve Breathing
(Bronchodilators)

The Generic (common) Name of the drug is listed first, followed by a specific Product (brand) Name, which is an example of that generic drug. To learn more about an individual drug, click on its Generic Name or Product Name.

 
Examples:
 
Generic Name Marketer Example Product Name
Terbutaline Aventis Pharmaceuticals Bricanyl
Ipratropium bromide Boehringer Ingelheim Atrovent
Aminophylline Roxane Aminophylline
Theophylline 3M Pharmaceuticals Theolair
Albuterol Glaxo Wellcome Inc. Ventolin
Theophylline Fleming & Co. Aerolate
Theophylline Pfizer Inc. Marax
Albuterol Schering-Plough Proventil
Terbutaline Novartis Pharmaceuticals Brethine
Theophylline Warner Chilcott Laboratories, division of Warner-Lambert Theophylline Extended Release
Theophylline Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Slo-Phylline
Theophylline Key Pharmaceuticals, division of Schering-Plough Theo-Dur
Theophylline Purdue Frederick Uniphyl


 
What are bronchodilator drugs?
These drugs help the lungs (specifically the small breathing tubes, called bronchi) to open up and let air enter and leave more easily.

 
Why are they given?
The doctor determines that the patient's breathing tubes are not fully opened. Asthma or emphysema may cause this condition. The administration of these medications usually allow the patient to breathe easier.

 
How long are they used?
This varies from patient to patient. Sometimes, this medicine is used only while there is difficulty breathing. However, it may also be used indefinitely.

 
Do they have side effects?
Bronchodilators do have side effects. Some are minor and some are potentially serious. For example, these drugs may make one feel nervous or shaky. They may also increase the heart rate. Some of these drugs can produce nausea or an upset stomach.
 


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