Medication Triggers - Asthma Triggers: Asthma

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Medication triggers

Certain medicines can also be asthma triggers. Everyone with asthma should avoid the group of medicines called beta blockers, used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, and glaucoma. Other medication options for these conditions are usually available. Beta blockers — especially the "nonselective" ones such as propranolol (Inderal) — affect the lungs as well as the heart. They have the exact opposite effect of bronchodilators and therefore prevent narrowed airways from dilating. If use of a beta blocker is crucial — such as after a heart attack — you and your doctor may be able to find a "selective" beta blocker that acts more directly on the heart and blood vessels and has minimal lung effects. Selective beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Lopressor). Some people with asthma can use such medications safely without having their symptoms worsen, but the best way to find out is by trying the medication under your doctor's supervision.

Angiotensin-converting–enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, others) and enalapril (Vasotec), also used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, may indirectly trigger increased symptoms in some people with asthma. About 1 in 10 people taking an ACE inhibitor develops a troublesome cough. If you are taking an ACE inhibitor and develop a cough, talk with your doctor.

Common over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and the group of medicines known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — a category that includes ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) — can also trigger symptoms in anywhere from 3% to 5% of people with asthma. If your asthma is made worse by aspirin or one of the NSAIDs, it is imperative that you avoid all drugs in this category. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe for use if you have aspirin-sensitive asthma. Ask your physician which prescription medications are appropriate.

Last updated:	September 27, 2007