TREATMENT
MEDICATION FOR COPD
Treating COPD
Once you are diagnosed with COPD, your doctor will prescribe medication to control the condition and prevent it from worsening, or prevent an exacerbation. You may need to use some of the types of medication individually, or in combination. The medicine generally comes in the form of inhalers or similar devices that delivers medicine directly into the lung. 4
The main options of treatment for the maintenance and control of COPD include the following: 4,12
| Treatment type | Description | Examples |
| Long-acting bronchodilator (LABA or LAMA) | A bronchodilator opens up the airway, making it easier to breathe. There are different types or groups of bronchodilators, called Beta-2 agonists (or LABA) and anticholinergic bronchodilators (called LAMA). Some of the medicine ingredients from these groups work quickly, but their effect may not last long. Other medicine ingredients from these groups could generally take a little longer to work, but the benefit lasts much longer. | Beta-2 agonists – formoterol, salmeterol Anticholinergic – tiotropium, glycopyrronium |
| Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) | Inhaled corticosteroids are often combined with long-acting bronchodilators and will help bring down the swelling in your airways. | Budesonide, mometasone, fluticasone, beclomethasone |
| Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors | This is a type of oral medication that decreases inflammation in the lungs. It is usually given to those who have frequent exacerbations and a chronic cough with phlegm. This medication can prevent exacerbations and should be used along with regular inhalers. | Roflumilast, ensifentrine |
These ingredients may be prescribed in combinations, and may even be combined into the same inhaler or device to make it more convenient to use. Some treatment options can contain up to three ingredients (a LABA, LAMA and ICS) in one inhaler. The combination you may need will depend on the group your doctor placed you in during diagnosis (Group A, B or E). 4,12
Are you at risk of having COPD? Answer these questions to determine your risk.
Find out more
Medication for an exacerbation
When you experience an exacerbation, you may require additional treatment (to use with your usual inhaler(s)) to reduce the damage the exacerbation could cause to your lungs, and possibly to the rest of your body.4,12
Other medication and rehabilitation
Your doctor may recommend mucolytics, supplemental oxygen, a lung transplant, or pulmonary rehabilitation.