Medication Side Effects: Managing Asthma Treatment Concerns

Q: Medication Side Effects: Managing Asthma Treatment Concerns

Hello： The medication you are taking, Pulmicort, is a corticosteroid used for asthma prevention. <br>Its side effects may include sneezing, and it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after use to maintain oral hygiene. <br>Oxis is also a medication for asthma prevention

Side effects of medications!

Hello: I have experienced impaired lung function after a previous pneumonia infection, often suffering from bronchospasm, and I become breathless when walking or exercising.
My doctor prescribed the following five medications: 1.
Pulmicort turbuhaler (200 MICROGRAMS/DOSE) 2.
Oxis turbuhaler (9 MCG/DOSE) 3.
Medicon 4.
Loratadine 5.
Aminophylline.
However, I have noticed that after taking these medications, I experience significant tremors in my hands and feet, and my heart seems to be racing, which makes me very uncomfortable! This affects my ability to concentrate on my studies! Previously, when I took medication for pneumonia, I also experienced tremors, but not as severely as this time!
Q1: Should I report these discomforting symptoms to my doctor?
Q2: Are these normal side effects? Is there a way to mitigate them?
Q3: Do these medications contain steroids? If so, could there be adverse side effects? Thank you for your response!

Joyce, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/05/02

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology

Hello: The medication you are taking, Pulmicort, is a corticosteroid used for asthma prevention.
Its side effects may include sneezing, and it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after use to maintain oral hygiene.
Oxis is also a medication for asthma prevention and can relieve asthma symptoms, with bronchodilator, anti-allergic, and irritant effects.
Occasionally, it may cause side effects such as ventricular premature contractions, palpitations, and facial flushing.
Medicon-A’Loratadine has fewer side effects compared to the other medications.
Aminophylline is a bronchodilator that works directly on the bronchial muscles, relaxing and dilating the bronchi to allow air to flow into the lungs, aiding in breathing.
In smokers, this medication may accelerate its elimination rate.
Caution is advised for patients with hyperthyroidism, severe heart disease, congestive heart failure, and hypertension.
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate and respiration, gastrointestinal discomfort, and dizziness.
Among the medications you are using, only Pulmicort is a corticosteroid, and since you are using it in an inhaled form, it has fewer side effects.
If your palpitations and tremors are caused by Aminophylline, this may vary from person to person.
You may want to inform your physician about these side effects so that they can adjust your medication accordingly.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have further questions, please call 22294411-2128, and we will be happy to assist you in more detail.

Reply Date: 2004/05/02

More Info

Managing asthma treatment can be challenging, especially when side effects from medications interfere with daily activities and overall well-being. Based on the medications you mentioned—Pulmicort (budesonide), Oxis (formoterol), Medicon (likely a brand name for a medication that may contain a bronchodilator or corticosteroid), loratadine (an antihistamine), and aminophylline—let's address your concerns.

Q1: Should I report my discomfort to my doctor?
Absolutely, you should communicate any side effects you are experiencing to your healthcare provider. It is crucial for your doctor to know how the medications are affecting you, especially if they are causing significant discomfort such as tremors and increased heart rate. These symptoms can be indicative of how your body is responding to the medications, and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan. Open communication is essential in managing your asthma effectively and ensuring that you are on the right medications for your condition.

Q2: Are these normal side effects? Can they be mitigated?
The side effects you are experiencing, such as tremors and increased heart rate, can be associated with some of the medications you are taking.
- Pulmicort (budesonide) is a corticosteroid that is generally well-tolerated, but long-term use can lead to side effects such as mood changes, increased appetite, and potential adrenal suppression. However, it is less likely to cause tremors or increased heart rate.

- Oxis (formoterol) is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that can cause side effects like tremors, palpitations, and increased heart rate. These effects are more common, especially if the dosage is higher than what your body can tolerate.

- Aminophylline, a bronchodilator, can also lead to side effects such as tremors, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Loratadine is an antihistamine and is less likely to cause these types of side effects.

If these side effects are bothersome, your doctor may consider adjusting the dosage or switching to alternative medications that may have a more favorable side effect profile. In some cases, adding a medication to help manage side effects, such as a beta-blocker (with caution), may be considered, but this should only be done under medical supervision.

Q3: Do these medications contain steroids? Are there negative side effects?
Yes, Pulmicort contains budesonide, which is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation in the airways, which is crucial for asthma management. However, they can have side effects, especially with long-term use. These may include:
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Increased risk of infections
- Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
- Skin changes
The key is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control your asthma symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your treatment and may perform regular assessments to ensure that you are not experiencing significant side effects.

Conclusion
In summary, it is essential to report any side effects to your healthcare provider, as they can help you manage these symptoms effectively. The side effects you are experiencing are not uncommon with the medications prescribed, particularly with the bronchodilators. Your doctor can help you find a balance between effective asthma control and minimizing side effects. Regular follow-ups and open communication about your treatment will lead to better management of your asthma and overall health.

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