There are several medications available to help you treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Each person’s COPD is different, that is why it is important for you and your healthcare team to work together to create a treatment plan that works for you based on your symptoms and needs.
How COPD Medications Work
People living with COPD may be treated with a combination of quick relief and long- acting or controller medications. The goal is for you to take the right medicine at the right time to best manage your COPD.
Quick relief (or short acting) medicine works to relax your airways and help you breathe easier. This type of medication works quickly and should be taken if you have symptoms.
Long-acting medicine reduces the swelling and inflammation in your airways and prevents symptoms. These medications need to be taken every day, even when you feel well.
Types of COPD Medications
The following types of medicines are commonly prescribed to treat COPD. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice about your treatment.
Getting the Most Out of Your COPD Medication
Medication does not cure COPD, but it can help improve your symptoms, reduce frequency and severity of flare ups or exacerbations, and help you stay more active. The goal is for you to be able to take the right medicine at the right time with the right technique. This will help you to feel your best.
COPD medicines can be delivered through different medication devices like a metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer, or breath-actuated device. Some COPD medication can be in pill form. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the best method to deliver your COPD medicines.
Creating a Medication Schedule
Managing COPD may require several different types of medicine that need to be taken daily, and it can be confusing especially if you are taking other medicines for other health conditions.
- Make a medication schedule showing all the medications you take and when each should be taken.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you stay organized.
- Connect taking your medication with routine habits like brushing your teeth or after eating certain meals.
- Set an alarm or calendar reminder on your phone.
- Use a weekly pill box that has sections for morning, afternoon and evening pills.
- Talk to your healthcare provider, insurance company, or local home care agencies about in home medication management programs.
- When traveling, keep your medications with you in your carry on and keep copies of your prescriptions.
If you are still experiencing COPD symptoms, uncertain if you are taking the medication correctly, or experiencing side effects from the medication, discuss this with your healthcare provider. At each visit with your healthcare provider, review your medications and your medication inhalation technique.
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: May 14, 2024