Medications

There are several different types of medicines for people who require a home nebuliser. The choice of medication will depend on the patient's symptoms and the severity of their condition.

The types of medicines used in the nebuliser will come in the form of a liquid contained in a plastic ampoule/tube instead of an inhaler. The information leaflet supplied with the medication should be read thoroughly and kept for reference.

Side-effects

All medications may have short lasting side-effects. The most commonly reported side-effects of nebulised therapy are:

Rapid heartbeat.
Mild tremor.
Dryness of the mouth.
Headache.

If these symptoms are a problem or persist for more than 30 minutes, contact the GP or seek medical advice.

All regular medications are available on prescription from the GP. Make sure that prescriptions are reordered so that they do not run out of supplies. Medications have a use by date (expiry date) and should not be used after this time.

Additional information
	CHSS: Common Chest conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) My Lungs My Life: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Medications