Fortunately, there are many types of medicines available to help manage COPD. You and your doctor can work together to create a management plan that's right for you. And once you decide on a plan, it's important to stick to it every day, even if you're feeling your best.

Here are some types of COPD medicines your doctor may prescribe to help manage your condition:

Bronchodilators help relieve constriction of the airways and help prevent bronchial tube spasms associated with COPD.

• Short-acting beta₂-agonist bronchodilators, such as albuterol, and short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilators, such as ipratropium.
• Long-acting beta₂-agonist bronchodilators, such as salmeterol and formoterol, and long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilators, such as tiotropium.
• Theophylline also works as a bronchodilator.

A combination of short-acting bronchodilators—albuterol and ipratropium.

A combination of a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol) and a corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate).

Antibiotics are given at the first symptom of a respiratory infection.

Oxygen is given to keep the blood oxygen concentration high enough.

Be sure to follow your doctor's recommendations and tell him or her if you have any problems, questions, or concerns about your medicines.