What Is a Flunisolide Inhaler?
The
flunisolide inhaler (
Aerobid®) is a prescription medication used to prevent
asthma attacks. Flunisolide inhalers are available in two forms -- plain inhalers and Aerobid
®-M inhalers (which are flavored with menthol).
Who Makes the Flunisolide Inhaler?
Flunisolide inhalers are made by Forest Pharmaceuticals.
How Do Flunisolide Inhalers Work?
Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. If you have asthma, however, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating
(see Asthma Triggers). When the airways react, a few things happen: the muscles around these airways tighten, inflammation inside the airways increases, and cells inside the airways produce more mucus. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
The flunisolide inhaler is an
asthma medication that belongs to a group of drugs called inhaled corticosteroids, or steroids for short. Inhaled steroids go directly into the lungs and help to decrease the inflammation of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Because flunisolide inhalers do not work quickly, they should not be used for treating an
asthma attack. Rather, they are used twice a day in order to prevent asthma attacks.
Because flunisolide inhalers are inhaled directly into the lungs, the rest of the body is exposed to lower steroid levels, compared to steroids taken by mouth. This helps reduce or eliminate many of the side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
(Click Asthma Treatment for information about other medicines used for treating asthma.)
The flunisolide inhaler is not an asthma cure.
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