Inhaled steroids are available in metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, or nebulized aerosols.
What are the potential side effects of inhaled steroids?
Potential side effects include:
Cough
Thrush (mouth infection)
Sore throat
Hoarseness
How and when are inhaled steroids taken? Are there special instructions?
If an inhaled steroid and bronchodilator are both prescribed, take the bronchodilator first.
Use inhaled steroids with a "spacer" or "holding chamber."
Rinse mouth and gargle with plain water after use to prevent side effects.
Do not use for quick relief.
These medications will not stop an attack that has already started.
Do not stop taking these medicines without talking to your doctor.
Oral steroids
What do oral steroids do, and how are they supplied?
Oral steroids are prescribed to:
Prevent and reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways
Prevent shortness of breath and wheezing by decreasing the sensitivity of the airways to "irritants" and "allergens"
Oral steroid products include:
Methylprednisolone (Medrol®)
Prednisolone (Prelone®) , Pediapred®)
Prednisone (Deltasone®) , Orasone®, Liquid Pred®)
Hydrocortisone (Cortef®)
Dexamethasone
Oral steroids are available as tablets or liquids.
What are the potential side effects of oral steroids?
Increased appetite
Mood swings
Muscle weakness
Skin redness, acne
Sweating, swelling, or water retention
May raise blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Risk for infections with certain bugs
How and when are oral steroids taken? Are there special instructions?
Take with food or milk.
Do not stop taking these medicines without talking to your doctor.
Inhaled nonsteroids
What do inhaled nonsteroids do, and how are they supplied?
Inhaled nonsteroids are prescribed to prevent and reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways caused by allergies.
Inhaled nonsteroids include:
Cromolyn sodium (Intal®)
Nedocromil sodium (Tilade®)
Intal is available as a metered dose inhaler and nebulizer or aerosol solution. Tilade is available as a metered dose inhaler.
What are the potential side effects of inhaled nonsteroids?
Side effects of inhaled nonsteroids may include:
Bad taste in mouth
Thrush
Cough, dry throat
Nausea
How and when are inhaled nonsteroids taken? Are there special instructions?
Do not use for quick relief.
These medications must be used routinely to control symptoms.
If prescribed for use before contact with "allergen" or before exercise, use 10 to 60 minutes ahead of time.
Note: For all of these medicines, the side effects listed are the most common. Always contact your health care provider if you have questions about your personal situation.
