From the Guidelines
For patients requiring both acute symptom relief and long-term control of asthma inflammation, a combination inhaler containing both albuterol and budesonide is recommended, as it provides both immediate bronchodilation for symptom relief and reduces airway inflammation. This approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, which emphasizes the importance of combining quick-relief and controller medications for effective asthma management 1. The combination of albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), and budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), is a common and effective treatment for asthma, as it addresses both the acute symptoms and the underlying inflammation.
Some key points to consider when using inhalers with albuterol and budesonide include:
- Albuterol provides immediate bronchodilation for symptom relief, and should be used as needed, up to 2 puffs every 4-6 hours 1.
- Budesonide reduces airway inflammation, and should be used regularly, typically twice daily, to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations 1.
- The combination of albuterol and budesonide is often more effective than using either medication alone, especially for patients with moderate to severe asthma 1.
- Treatment should be adjusted in a stepwise approach based on symptom control and exacerbation history, with the goal of achieving and maintaining control of asthma symptoms 1.
Overall, the use of a combination inhaler containing both albuterol and budesonide is a recommended treatment approach for patients with asthma who require both acute symptom relief and long-term control of inflammation, as it provides effective and convenient management of symptoms and reduces the risk of exacerbations 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Budesonide inhalation suspension is a long-term maintenance medicine used to control and prevent asthma symptoms in children ages 12 months to 8 years. Budesonide inhalation suspension does not treat the sudden symptoms (wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain or tightness) of an asthma attack Always have a short-acting beta2-agonist medicine (rescue inhaler) with you to treat sudden symptoms. If your child does not have an inhaled, short-acting bronchodilator, ask your healthcare provider to have one prescribed for your child.
The recommended treatment for patients requiring both acute symptom relief and long-term control of inflammation for asthma is to use budesonide inhalation suspension as a long-term maintenance medicine to control and prevent asthma symptoms, and to have a short-acting beta2-agonist medicine (rescue inhaler), such as albuterol, to treat sudden symptoms of an asthma attack 2.
From the Research
Recommended Treatment for Asthma
The recommended treatment for patients requiring both acute symptom relief and long-term control of inflammation for asthma includes the use of inhalers with a combination of medications.
- Albuterol and budesonide are two such medications that can be used together in a single inhaler, known as anti-inflammatory reliever (AIR) therapy 3.
- This approach allows patients to use one inhaler for both maintenance and reliever therapy, providing a more effective and simple way to manage asthma 4.
Benefits of Combination Therapy
The use of combination therapy, such as albuterol and budesonide, has been shown to:
- Reduce exacerbations and improve asthma control 3, 5
- Provide 24-hour improvement in lung function in adult asthmatic patients 6
- Be more effective in improving treatment outcomes than monotherapy alone 7
Key Considerations
When using combination therapy, it is essential to:
- Use the medication as directed by a healthcare professional
- Monitor asthma symptoms and adjust treatment as needed
- Consider the potential benefits and risks of different combination therapies, such as budesonide/formoterol or fluticasone/salmeterol 7