Oral Medications

Oral Medications

For more information about oral medications, download the COPD Medication Brochure.

Corticosteroid Pills

Corticosteroids also come as pills, most often known as prednisone. Corticosteroid pills have more side effects than the inhaled corticosteroids that are in combination medication. Corticosteroid pills are often used for short periods of time - usually when you have a COPD flare-up. If you need to take corticosteroid pills on a regular basis, your healthcare provider will work to keep you on the lowest dose necessary. You can talk with your healthcare provider about side effects of your medication.

Oral corticosteroids (OCS)

  • Examples include Medrol®, Pediapred®, Decadron®

Antibiotics

Bacterial infections in your airways may cause some of your COPD flare-ups. Antibiotics can help in these cases. However, antibiotics will not work if your flare-up was caused by a viral infection. Sometimes people may be experiencing both bacterial and viral infections at the same time. Prednisone is often prescribed along with antibiotics. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed on a regular basis for those patients with frequent flare-ups. Your lung specialist (respirologist) or family doctor will monitor you closely for improvements and side effects.

Working with your COPD team on a COPD action plan will ensure you have clear directions on what to do and what medicine to take if you have a flare-up.

Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors (PDE-4) medications are a type of oral medication that decreases inflammation in the lungs. This pill is used for patients with a history of frequent flare-ups and chronic cough with mucus (phlegm). It can prevent flare-ups and should be used along with regular inhalers.

  • Examples include Daxas®

Mucolytics

Mucolytics help to remove secretions (unwanted contents like phlegm) from the lung by thinning mucus so it is easier to cough up. These medications are for patients with frequent flare-ups. Example: Mucomyst (N-acetylcysteine – NAC), may prevent flare-ups.

  • Examples include Mucomyst®