Inhaled Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids are pharmaceuticals primarily intended for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis (this includes allergies like hay fever), and other respiratory conditions. Corticosteroids are produced by the body naturally and serve a number of functions, serving both immune and anti-inflammatory properties.

Inhaled corticosteroids, or Glucocorticoids, cling to certain receptors in the nucleus of each cell. These receptors are known as Glucocorticoid receptors, or GRs. This clinging begins a chemical process in the cells through which anti-inflammatory proteins are released. In the case of inhaled corticosteroids, this eases the inflammation of cells in the lungs characteristic of asthma. Corticosteroids are also known to ease the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin inflammations in the form of topical creams.

The main forms of the inhaled corticosteroids are most well known by the names of Flovent, Azmacort, Asmanex, Pulmicort, QVAR, Symbicort, Advair and Aerobid.

What follows is a brief description of each form, and the many different names each is known by.

Flovent (fluticasone propionate) is primarily used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis through the nasal spray form, and psoriosis and eczema when applied in the form of topical creams.

Azmacort comes in several forms, including inhaled, injected, and topical. This drug is also known as Triamcinolone, Kenalog, Aristocort, Tri-Nasal, Triderm, Trilone, Volon A, Nasacort, Tristoject, Fougera, Tricortone, and Triesence.

Asmanex (Mometasone furoate) is more potent than other corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone. It comes in the form of nasal spray and inhaler forms and also goes by the names Elocon, Nasonex, and Asmanex Twisthaler.

Pulmicort (budesonide) is an anti-inflammatory inhalant for asthma sufferers that is also sold in combination with Oxis (formoterol) in an inhaler known as Symbicort. It is also sold as a nasal inhaler under the name Rhinocort.

Qvar (Beclomethasone dipropionate) comes in the form of creams and nasal sprays, as well as inhalers for those with asthma. Inhaled forms are also sold under the names of Becotide, and beclometasone.

Advair is a combination of two drugs known as Fluticasone and Salmeterol and is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as asthma. The Fluticasone is the corticosteroid that acts as the anti-inflammatory while the Salmeterol works to clear airway obstructions. It is also known in other parts of the world as Seretide, Viani, Adoair, and ForAir.

Aerobid (Flunisolide is another inhaled corticosteroid intended for asthma relief. It is also known by the names Nasalide and Nasarel.

If there is any confusion about identification of any of these drugs or their attendant side-effects, consult with your physician or pharmacist.

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