What inhaler should be used before an inhaled corticosteroid?

Using a short-acting beta-agonist, such as albuterol, before an inhaled corticosteroid is a common practice in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, providing quick relief from acute bronchospasm and allowing for better penetration of the corticosteroid into the lungs. This leads to more effective treatment of inflammation.

Inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone are designed to reduce inflammation over time, but they do not provide immediate relief from acute symptoms. Therefore, the pre-treatment with a short-acting bronchodilator, like albuterol, ensures that the airways are open when the corticosteroid is inhaled, optimizing its effectiveness.

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication that can also open airways but is not typically prioritized before inhaled corticosteroids in standard practice. Salbutamol serves the same function as albuterol, being another short-acting beta-agonist; however, it's the same class of medication as albuterol, and both serve the primary purpose of bronchodilation rather than being an inhaled corticosteroid.