In addition, systemic steroids taken for more than two weeks causes sufficient suppression of normal adrenal gland function that the steroids must be tapered rather than abruptly withdrawn. For these reasons, the use of systemic steroids is reserved for treatment of severe or persistent asthma symptoms or increasing symptoms not adequately controlled by treatment. Courses of systemic steroids should be kept as short as possible to minimize side effects, but generally a minimum of three days is required to achieve an adequate anti-inflammatory response. In spite of potential side effects, it is not desirable to stop steroids prematurely since that will most likely result in a return of symptoms necessitating reinstitution of the steroids. Therefore, patients must be monitored closely to determine the optimal duration of treatment.
Steroids are potent medicines, but in short courses they are generally well tolerated.
Asthma can be a serious disease. Even though the use of steroids should not be taken lightly, with appropriate monitoring, there should be no hesitation about using steroids to control asthma symptoms. The two brands listed are long acting preparations of albuterol which can be taken by mouth to provide prolonged bronchodilation. Side effects include hyperactivity, shakiness, rapid heart rate, and are the same as the shorter acting albuterol. Salmeterol is a 12 hour bronchodilator.