Understanding Medications for Asthma

If you have chronic asthma and are on a treatment regimen that has been working for you, do not stop or change your medication before checking with your doctor. Don't let the fear of taking medicine set you up for an asthmatic attack, which may be more harmful to your baby than the rare chance of the medication harming your baby.

• Albuterol, the mainstay of asthma treatment, is the most common medication used in pocket inhalers and home nebulizers. Because albuterol can elevate the heart rate in mother and baby, raise maternal blood pressure, and cause changes in maternal and fetal blood sugar, it must be used exactly as prescribed by the physician. Even though albuterol is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is an example of a medication where the benefits usually outweigh the risks, it still is in the "yellow light" category, meaning it needs to be used with caution.
• Cromolyn is in the "green- light," safe category as a maintenance medication for chronic asthma.
• Epinephrine-containing products should be avoided unless recommended by your doctor; they are usually used only in severe asthmatic attacks.
• Inhaled steroids are considered safe for treating asthma as long as they are used under a physician's close supervision and in the dosage and frequency advised by the doctor.