Drug Uses
Prednisone is used in the management of inflammatory conditions or diseases in which the immune system plays an important role. Since prednisone is used in so many conditions, only the most common or established uses are mentioned here. Prednisone most often is used for treating several types of arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus, allergic reactions, asthma and severe psoriasis. It also is used for treating leukemias, lymphomas, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Corticosteroids, including prednisone, are commonly used to suppress the immune system and prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs. Prednisone is used as replacement therapy in patients whose adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of cortisol.

How Taken
Tablets of 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg. Oral solution or syrup of 5mg/5ml. The initial dose of prednisone varies depending on the condition being treated and the age of the patient. The starting dose may be from 5 to 60 mg per day and often is adjusted based on the response of the condition being treated. Corticosteroids typically do not produce immediate effects and must be used for several days before maximal effects are seen. It may take much longer before conditions respond to treatment. Prolonged therapy with prednisone causes the adrenal glands to atrophy and stop producing cortisol. When prednisone is discontinued after a period of prolonged therapy, the dose of prednisone must be tapered (lowered gradually) to allow the adrenal glands time to recover. (See side effects.) It is recommended that prednisone be taken with food.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Prednisone is an oral, synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. It has effects similar to other corticosteroids such as triamcinolone (Kenacort), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone) and dexamethasone (Decadron). These synthetic corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol (hydrocortisone), the naturally-occurring corticosteroid produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Corticosteroids have many effects on the body, but they most often are used for their potent anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in those conditions in which the immune system plays an important role. Such conditions include arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes. Prednisone is inactive in the body and, in order to be effective, first must be converted to prednisolone by enzymes in the liver. Therefore, prednisone may not work as effectively in people with liver disease whose ability to convert prednisone to prednisolone is impaired.

Missed Dose
If you take one dose daily, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you don’t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only your regular daily dose. If you take more than one dose daily, you can either take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or you can take two doses at the next dose time. If you take one dose every other day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular every-other-day schedule.

Storage
Store at room temperature 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F), and keep away from moisture.

Drug Uses
Serevent is used for long-term treatment of asthma. It may be used to prevent breathing problems in certain patients, including patients with night-time asthma, or breathing problems caused by exercise.

How Taken
Use Serevent as directed by your doctor.
Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not try to use a spacer device with Serevent.
To prepare the device for use, open the protective foil pouch and remove the inhaler device. Hold the device in one hand. Use the thumb of the opposite hand to push the thumb-grip as far away from you as it will go. The mouthpiece will appear and snap into position.
Hold the device in a level, flat position with the mouthpiece towards you. Use your thumb to slide the lever away from you as far as it will go. You should hear a click. The device is now ready for use.
Do not close or tilt the device, play with the lever, or move the lever more than once. You may accidentally release or waste a dose.
Close the device when you are finished taking a dose. Slide the thumb-grip back towards you as far as it will go. The device will click shut, and the lever will return to its original position.
Serevent delivers your dose as a very fine powder. Most, but not all, patients can taste or feel it. Even if you cannot feel it, do not use more than the recommended dose. If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using Serevent to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise, use it at least 30 minutes before you start to exercise. Do not use another dose for at least 12 hours. If you already use Serevent twice daily on a regular basis, do NOT take an extra dose before you exercise.
Discard the inhaler 6 weeks after removing it from the protective foil pouch or after all the blisters have been used, whichever comes first.
Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry and always store it in a dry place.
Continue to use Serevent even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Serevent. Drug Class and Mechanism

Serevent is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator. It widens the airways in the lungs, which helps you breathe more easily.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Serevent, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store Serevent at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store Serevent away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Throw Serevent away 6 weeks after it is removed from the foil pouch. Keep Serevent out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Drug Uses
Rhinocort treats nasal allergy symptoms, including runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken
Use Rhinocort as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Rhinocort is for use in the nose.
Shake well before each use.
Before using this medicine for the first time, gently shake the container and prime the pump 8 times.
Clear your nose before using Rhinocort. You may sniff gently to distribute the medicine into your nose, but do not breathe deeply.
If Rhinocort is used daily, the pump does not need to be reprimed. If it not used for 2 consecutive days, reprime it with 1 spray or until a fine spray mist appears.
If Rhinocort is not used for more than 14 days, rinse the applicator and reprime it with 2 sprays or until a fine spray appears.
Use Rhinocort on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Rhinocort belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids act inside the body’s cells to decrease the release of certain chemicals that are involved in the body’s immune system, and which initiate an inflammatory reaction. By decreasing the release of these chemicals, corticosteroids help reduce inflammation.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Rhinocort, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in an upright position. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Keep Rhinocort out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Drug Uses
Flonase Spray is used for treatment of allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms including congestion, sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

How Taken
Use Flonase Spray as directed by your doctor.
Shake gently before each use.
To use a nose spray, gently blow your nose. Sit down and tilt your head back slightly. Place the tip of the spray container into the nose. Using a finger from your other hand, press against the opposite nostril to close it off. Breathe gently through the open nostril and squeeze the spray container. If you are using more than 1 spray, wait for 1 to 2 minutes between sprays. After using the medicine, rinse the tip of the spray unit in hot water and dry with a clean tissue to prevent contamination.
Symptoms can start to improve as soon as 12 hours after you start using Flonase Spray, and should improve within a couple of days. The full benefit may not be achieved until you have used Flonase Spray for several days.
Use Flonase Spray on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
Using Flonase Spray at the same time each day will help you remember to use it.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Flonase Spray is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammatory reactions in the nasal airway in response to allergens and irritants in the air.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Flonase Spray, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store Flonase Spray between 39 and 86 degrees F (4 and 30 degrees C). Keep Flonase Spray out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Drug Uses
Advair Diskus is used for long-term prevention and treatment of asthma and chronic lung diseases.

How Taken
Use Advair Diskus as directed by your doctor.
Always activate and use this device in a level, horizontal position. Do not breathe into the inhaler. Do not use a spacer. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water after using Advair Diskus to prevent dryness and mouth infections and relieve throat irritation. Do not swallow the rinse solution.
If you are using other inhalers, wait a few minutes between using Advair Diskus and other inhalers, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
Advair Diskus delivers your dose as a very fine powder that most, but not all, patients can taste or feel. Whether you are able to taste or feel your dose of medicine, you should not take more than the recommended dose of 1 inhalation each morning and evening (approximately 12 hours apart). If you are not sure if you are receiving your dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
You may breathe more easily after the first dose of Advair Diskus . It may take 1 week or longer to achieve the most benefit. It is important that you use Advair Diskus regularly. Do not stop treatment even if you are feeling better unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Never wash the mouthpiece or any other part of the inhaler. Keep it dry and always keep it in a dry place.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Advair Diskus. Drug Class and Mechanism

Advair Diskus improves lung function and makes breathing easier by reducing airway swelling and irritation and by causing muscle relaxation.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Advair Diskus , skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store Advair Diskus at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a dry place. Store away from direct heat and sunlight, moisture, and light. The inhalation device is not reusable and should be discarded 1 month after removal from the moisture-protective foil overwrap pouch or after all blisters have been used, whichever comes first.

Drug Uses
Proventil is used to treat people with asthma and other chest illnesses. It is particularly prescribed to relieve asthma symptoms, and to prevent asthma symptoms brought on by exercise or other triggers.

How Taken
To treat asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness and tightness in your chest, a usual dose is:
Adults: One or two puffs to relieve symptoms or two puffs 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger
Children: One or two puffs to relieve symptoms or 10-15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.
Usually the most you would take in a 24-hour period is 8 puffs.

For regular treatment:

• Adults and children: Two puffs up to 4 times a day.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Proventil contains the active ingredient Salbutamol, which is a type of medicine known as a short-acting beta 2 agonist. It works by acting on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles in the airways to relax, allowing the airways to open.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Storage
Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.

Drug Uses
Montelukast is used for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Montelukast begins working after 3 to 14 days of therapy. Therefore, it should not be used for the treatment of an acute asthmatic attack.

How Taken
The recommended dose of montelukast is 4, 5, or 10 mg daily. The 4 and 5 mg tablets are used in children. Montelukast should be taken in the evening with or without food.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Leukotrienes are a group of naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote inflammation in asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis and in other diseases in which inflammation is important (such as allergy). They are formed by cells, released, and then bound to other cells, and it is the binding to these other cells that stimulates the cells to promote inflammation. Montelukast works in a manner similar to zafirlukast (Accolate), blocking the binding of some leukotrienes. Unlike zafirlukast, montelukast does not inhibit CYP2C9 or CYP3A4, two enzymes in the liver that are important in breaking down and eliminating many drugs. Therefore, unlike zafirlukast, montelukast is not expected to affect the elimination of other drugs. The safety and effectiveness of montelukast has been demonstrated in children as young as 6 months of age. It was approved by the FDA in 1998.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage
Tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Drug Uses
Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

How Taken
Zyrtec comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken once a day. It may be taken regularly or when allergy symptoms flare up. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zyrtec exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Cetirizine is the fourth addition to a new generation of allergy medications called “non- sedating” antihistamines or histamine (H-1) receptor blockers. These new antihistamines are called non-sedating because they cause less sedation than their predecessors; however, cetirizine is more sedating than the other non-sedating antihistamines.

Antihistamines block the effects of histamines. Histamines cause symptoms of allergy when released by allergic reactions in the body. Antihistamines block the ability of histamine to promote the allergy symptoms. For further information, please read the Allergic Rhinitis article.

Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.

Storage
Store at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F); excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).