Which drugs are recommended for asthma?

Q: I am asthmatic. Is it bad to take decdan + deriphyllin ?

A:As per globally accepted evidence based guidelines on the treatment of asthma, only those medicines which can be taken by inhalation should be used so that side effects are minimal. Oral medicines should be avoided since they first get into the blood and then reach the lungs where action is actually required. The Step-wise approach is as follows:Step 1: Inhaled short acting salbutamol (Asthalin) or terbutaline (Bricanyl) inhalers.Step 2: If necessary add inhaled steroids to medicines listed at Step 1 such as Aerocort Inhaler (salbutamol + declomethasone).One can go on to Step 3 and 4, if at all required.