Pink asthma inhaler
The most well-known pink asthma inhaler name is Fostair, which is manufactured by Chiesi Limited.
Fostair contains two active ingredients, a corticosteroid called beclomethasone dipropionate and a bronchodilator called formoterol fumarate dihydrate. This makes it a combined inhaler, providing a preventative protection from asthma as well as a fast acting bronchodilator for when asthma symptoms occur. However, patients may not be advised to use Fostair as a reliever too as often they will be prescribed a separate reliever inhaler.
Red inhaler
The most commonly used red asthma inhaler is the Flixotide evohaler. Flixotide contains only one ingredient, a corticosteroid called fluticasone propionate, which is a common asthma inhaler ingredient. It’s used to prevent asthma symptoms from occurring and so is classed as a preventer.
In this sense, Flixotide can be considered a ‘brown inhaler’, most of which do the same thing and often contain the same active ingredient.
Another red inhaler, although it’s really red and white, is the Qvar Autohaler. It contains a different active ingredient to Flixotide, beclometasone dipropionate, but does the same thing, prevents asthma symptoms from presenting.
Purple inhaler
The most commonly used purple inhalers are Seretide and Airflu Sal, both of which contain the same active ingredients; fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate. They are also used as preventer inhalers, to stop asthma symptoms from occurring.
Whilst they act as a preventer, much like the ‘brown inhalers’ they are usually considered a step up to help patients gain better control.
Green inhaler
The most commonly used green inhaler is Serevent. It contains one active ingredient, salmeterol xinafoate, a long acting bronchodilator, which also makes it a preventer inhaler.
What marks Serevent apart from the others is its colour is related to its reduced impact on the environment. Containing norflurane, it’s “greener” than some of the older inhalers but it works just as effectively.
Orange inhaler
The Flixotide Accuhaler Diskus is orange. The Accuhaler is a device that makes it easier for some to use, in that you don’t have to time your breath when using it.
The orange asthma inhaler has the same active ingredient; fluticasone propionate. This makes it a preventer inhaler.
