There are so many inhalers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the market that the list of COPD inhalers could seem to be endless. All pharmaceutical companies aim to develop these types of copd inhalers, because they are so commonly used. And with incidences of the disease increasing, it is likely that the list of COPD inhalers will lengthen even further. That said, there are four key categories of copd inhalers and, within those categories there are a number of brand names that are better known than others. Below we’ll discuss the best copd inhaler, as well as the different types of copd inhalers.

Four Types of COPH Inhalers:

1. The bronchodilator, which is designed to increase airflow by opening up the airways
2. The corticosteroid, which lessens inflammation in the respiratory tract
3. The combination bronchodilator, in which different medications are used
4. The combination bronchodilator/corticosteroid, which provides the best of both worlds

Best COPD Inhalers: A Top 10 List of COPD Inhalers

1. Advair, which combines the corticosteroid fluticason and the long-acting bronchodilator salmeterol. This is a maintenance type of treatment.
2. Symbicort, which was first marketed as an asthma medication. However, in 2009, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved it for those with stable COPD. It contains the long-acting bronchodilator formoterol and the corticosteroid budesonide.
3. Combivent Respimat, which uses two bronchodilators: ipratoropium and albuterol. It is believed that this type of inhaler has better positive effects and fewer side effects.
4. Pulmicort, which uses the budesonide corticosteroid. It is designed for COPD maintenance treatment.
5. Spiriva, which contains the anticholinergic bronchodilator tiotropium. This opens the airways and relaxes them to improve breathing.
6. Proventil, which is a rescue inhaler. This means it is designed for those with acute breathing problems. It contains the beta-agonist bronchodilator albuterol, which is short-acting. It is used in both COPD and asthma.
7. Atrovent, which contains the anticholinergic bronchodilator ipratropium, which is used for COPD maintenance treatment.
8. Brovana, which is a beta-agonist drug delivered through a long-acting bronchodilator. It is designed for maintenance treatment in the long term and should be taken twice per day, morning and evening. It is not for asthma and neither is it a rescue inhaler.
9. Arcapta Neohaler, which contains indacaterol inhalation powder. This is a beta-agonist bronchodilator, but what sets it apart is that it is long acting. It is administered in capsule form through a dry powder inhaler and is used once per day for long-term maintenance. It is commonly prescribed to those who have developed chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
10. Breo Ellipta, which combines the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone furoate, and the beta2-adrenergic agonist vilanterol, which is long acting. Together, they help to clear mucus and relax the airways. It should be used once per day and is generally prescribed to those who have also been diagnosed with emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis.

This list of COPD inhalers is by no means exhaustive. It does, however, show the variety of inhalers that exist, and the different situations in which they may be used or needed. It is very important to be under the care of a physician if you have this disease, so that you can find the medication that is most appropriate to you.