There are many differentkinds of inhalers.
Some are used once or twice a day to manage COPD and prevent acute exacerbations (attacks).
Others are used as needed when an exacerbation occurs.
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As a result, most people with COPD useseveral different inhalersas part of the treatment plan.
This article describes some of the concerns related to the use of different inhaler medications.
In fact, using some together can pose health risks.
Antimuscarinic drugs are controller medications used once or twice daily.
Beta-Agonists
Beta-2 adrenergic agonists (also known as beta-agonists) are a mainstay treatment for COPD.
There are short-acting versions used as rescue inhalers and long-acting versions that are used to control COPD.
They are mainly used in people with a history of exacerbations.
Summary
People with COPD are commonly treated with more than one inhaler.
Some are used as controller medications and others are used as rescue inhalers when you have a COPD attack.
As effective as these drugs are, not all can be used together.
Other drugs are known to interact, causing severe drops in blood potassium and heart rhythm problems.
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