Asthma Medications to Know
Asthma drugs are best understood as two jobs: quick-relief (rescue) inhalers and long-term maintenance therapy. Sorting them by that role, rather than alphabetically, mirrors how they're actually used and tested.
Study tip
Split the group in two: rescue bronchodilators (albuterol) for fast relief, and maintenance therapy (inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone, plus montelukast). Studying rescue vs. maintenance as separate buckets sticks better than one long list.
Asthma drug list (12)
By generic name, ordered by how commonly each is dispensed.
| # | Generic name | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Albuterol | Asthma |
| 15 | Montelukast | Asthma |
| 21 | Fluticasone Propionate | Asthma Maintenance |
| 62 | Budesonide-Formoterol | Asthma |
| 63 | Fluticasone-Salmeterol | Asthma |
| 342 | Budesonide | Asthma Maintenance |
| 343 | Mometasone Furoate | Asthma Maintenance |
| 344 | Beclomethasone | Asthma Maintenance |
| 345 | Fluticasone Furoate | Asthma Maintenance |
| 346 | Mometasone / Formoterol | Asthma |
| 347 | Fluticasone / Vilanterol | Asthma |
| 348 | Fluticasone / Salmeterol | Asthma |
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a rescue and maintenance inhaler?
- Rescue inhalers (like albuterol) act fast for acute symptoms, while maintenance therapy (such as inhaled fluticasone) is taken regularly to prevent symptoms. Sorting asthma drugs into these two buckets is the standard study approach.
- Which asthma drug should I learn first?
- Albuterol, the most common rescue bronchodilator, is the highest-yield drug in this group to learn first.
More drug categories
Educational study aid — not medical advice. Learn My Drugs is a memorization tool for pharmacy students, technicians, and exam prep. Drug names and uses on this page are simplified for studying and are not a substitute for professional judgment. For clinical, dosing, or safety information, consult the official label and a licensed professional.
Authoritative references: DailyMed, MedlinePlus, and the U.S. FDA.
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026.