What chemicals are in an inhaler?

Breathing, it’s something we do every day without even thinking about it. But, for those with respiratory issues, this simple task can be a daunting challenge. Thankfully, we have inhalers to help us out! But what exactly is inside these magical little devices? Let’s take a closer look at the chemicals that make up your average inhaler.

The Basics

First things first – let’s talk about what an inhaler actually does. Simply put, when you use an inhaler the medication is delivered directly into your lungs via aerosol spray or powder. The active ingredient(s) work by either relaxing airway muscles or reducing inflammation in the bronchi and small air sacs of the lung.

Some common types of medications found in inhalers include:

  • Bronchodilators: These work to relax muscle bands that surround your airways.
  • Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs.
  • Combination medications: As their name suggests, these combine both bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Now that we’ve got a basic understanding of how they work let’s dive deeper (not literally though).

Bronchodilators

Ah yes – good old bronchodilators – our very own personal airway relaxants! Typically made up of either beta agonists or anticholinergics types (more on those shortly), bronchodilator medications help relieve asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Beta agonists

Beta Agonists can come in two forms: Short acting (SABA) which provide immediate relief consisting of Albuterol, Levalbuterol HFA, Pirbuterol; Long Acting (LABA) last longer than their speedy counterpart including popular mediations Fluticasone/Salmeterol inhaler, Budesonide/Formoterol Inhalation Powder and Vilanterol.

All of these medications work by activating beta-receptors in your lungs – which opens up (or dilates) the airways that are causing you trouble.

Anticholinergics

As for anticholinergics- They come Short-acting (SAMA) like Ipratropium or Long Acting(LABA) Tiotropium, Umeclidinium bromide, belong to this classification. Instead of working on those beta-receptors, they block acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that causes bronchoconstriction– from attaching to its targets in the lung.

Corticosteroids

Whenever inflammation is present – cortico steroids are used since they have anti-inflammatory properties. Popular medication include Beclomethasone(Beclovent), Fluticasone(Flovent Diskus and HFA), Mometasone furoate(Asmanex Twisthaler). Although taken via inhalation spray , these medications help reduce the swelling airway lining making breathing easier allowing better airflow.

Long-term use can assist with reducing asthma symptom occurrence/day but increase risks of pneumonia/thrush interactions over use time period concerning dentists/doctors additional mouth washes/ rinsing may be helpful with keeping candida under control though!

Combo Medications

The combination category mixes LABA/LAMAs such as Aclidinium/formoterol(brand name Duaklir), Olodateril/Tiolonium(brands: Stiolto Respimat®, Spiollto®Pressair); or burlap devices having low-dose Mometasone/Roflumilast as alternative options when using if steroid effects alone aren’t enough for management!

Non-medicinal compounds in inhalers

Although we came here mainly look into medicinal components there are interesting additional non-medicinal compounds present in inhalers.

It worth noting the carrier component for delivering medication to lungs usually consist of propellants such as hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) or chlorofluorocarbon(CFC). as well.

Aerosolized MDI inhaler formulations often include alcohols to help dissolve ingredients and improve atomization when spraying; Ethanol, isopropanol & cfcs all have been replaced with HFA although people like The Hangover’s Alan Garner might prefer them for different reasons altogether.

Dry powder asthma medications utilize lactose carriers since it resembles fine particle size which makes dosing consistent while reducing likelihood of GI tract absorption

Other additives including flavors/sweeteners have also gained popularity among some companies — so whether cotton candy-flavored medicine motivates you enough through therapy regimen will entirely depend on your preferences!

Conclusion

Inhalers play a critical role in helping manage symptoms associated with respiratory issues such as COPD and Asthma; undoubtedly increasing quality lives billions worldwide! Although we use these products every day, few realize what the active ingredients and compounds inside fulfil each inhale that continues powering on – expect next time you reach out to give yours puffs keep ahem-tabs open since unless We share our fun facts how would we break eye-gazing awkward silences?!

Note:
Albuterol
, Levalbuterol HFA, Pirbuterol, Fluticasone/Salmeterol inhaler, Budesonide/Formoterol Inhalation Powder,Vilanterol, Ipratropium,TiotropiumUmeclidinium bromide ,Beclomethasone(Beclovent), Fluticasone(Flovent Diskus/HFA), Mometasone furoate(Asmanex Twisthaler); Duaklir, Stiolto Respimat®, Spiollto®Pressair

Note: Ethanol, isopropanol & cfcs are no longer used as carrier components in inhalers.

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