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Drug Formulary


 

Summary of commonly used allergy medications

MDI =metered dose inhaler

For Asthma

  • Rescue meds: To open airways before exercise and with acute episodes.
    • Albuterol MDI( Proventil, Ventolin, Maxair): 2 puffs every 4-6 hrs.
  • Controller meds: To heal the airway and prevent symptoms.
    • Steroid MDI
      • Low strength
        • Vanceril /Beclovent MDI:2 puffs x 4/day
        • Azmacort MDI; 2 puffs x 4/day
        • Flovent 44mg/puff: 2 puff x 2/day
      • Medium strength
        • Aerobid MDI: 2 puffs x 2/day
        • Flovent 110mg/puff x 2/day
      • High Strength
        • Flovent 220mg/puff x 2/day
        • Pulmocort 2 puff x 2/day
    • Steroid, Nebulized
      • Pulmicort respule  0.25mg/2 cc , 0.5mg/2cc, for infants
    • Singular tabs
      • 2-5 years: 4 mg chewable x once evening
      • 6-14 years: 5 mg x once an evening.
      • Over 14 years: 10 mg x once an evening.
    • Long-acting Beta-agonists
      • Serevent MDI: 2 puffs x 2/day (Do not exceed the recommended dose. It may lead to toxicity)
      •   Foradil MDI: 1 puff x 2/day
    • Combination of steroid and long-acting beta-agonist
      • Advair MDI 1 puff x 2/day :  3 strengths available:  low potency- 100/40, medium potency-250/40, high potency-500/40

For Nasal Symptoms  

  • Rescue Medicines
    • Antihistamines: Primarily for drying the nose
      • Non-sedating
        • Claritin 10mg: either 12 or 24 hr preparations, Available in syrup 5mg/5cc
        • Clarinex 5 mg (24 hrs)
        • Allegra 60mg (12 hrs), or 180mg (24 hrs)
      • Less-sedating
        • Zyrtec 5mg, 10mg, 5 mg/5cc : 24 hr
      • Sedating
        • Benadryl, Atarax, Chlotrimeton, etc: usually every 6 hrs
    • Atrovent Nasal spray: for drying the nose. 2 puffs  x 4/day
    • Decongestants: To open up the nasal passage. Not to dry
      • Afrin or neosinephrine nose spray or drops: use not more than 3 days a week. Long-term  use not recommended, because of the nasal congestion may get worse
      • Sudafed: oral decongestant, over the counter. Consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure, arrhythmia, prostate problems, etc.
    • Combination of antihistamines and decongestants
      • Claritin-D, Allegra-D, etc.
    • Rinsing agents
      • Ocean Spray, Sinus-Rinse, etc
      • Make it yourself:  1 cup water + 1/2 tsp salt + a pinch of baking soda. Put them in a Mustard Dispenser or other dispenser with a tip.
  • Controller Meds: To heal the nasal passage and prevent the symptoms.
    • Nasal steroid MDI: Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Zetonna, Qnasal, etc.  To be sprayed to the nasal cavity 2 puffs once or twice a day.  It is important to use regularly at least 4 wks at a time, otherwise, the optimal preventive effect is not reached. Use after rinsing. Aim towards the ear on the side of the nostril being sprayed.
    • Combination of nasal steroid & anti-histamine: Dymsita: 1-2p x2/day.

For the Eyes

  • Rescue  meds: usually one drop x 4/day
    • Decongestants: Vasocon, Naphcon
    • Antihistamines: Livostin
  • Controller meds: heals and prevent allergic eye symptoms
    • Opticrom(Cromolyn): 1-2 drops x 4/day
    • Alomide: 1-2 drops x4/day
    • Patanol : 1-2 drops x 2/day
    • Pataday (olopatadine): 1-2 drop  x 1/day
    • Zaditor(ketotifen):1-2 drops, 2-3x/day
    • Optivar (azelastine): 1 drop , 2x/day
    • Restasis (cyclosporine):1 drop, 2x/day
  • A cool pack to the eyes, plus the liquid tears can be very helpful    

For the Skin

  • Limit soap exposure as much as possible  because it dries out sensitive skin
  • Put lotion on the skin immediately after toweling down while the skin is still wet, absorption is maximum at that time
  • Antihistamines can help the itch
  • Use steroid ointments ( preferred over cream).  Be careful as the stronger steroids can blanch the skin, and should not be used on the face
Conditions Treated and Services Offered

What we treat and what we do

Location

Song Institute of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
3113 N. Sepulveda Blvd , Suite A
South Bay

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: 310-802-8016
Fax: (310) 802-8031

Office Hours

Get in touch

310-802-8016