Asthma preventer inhaler names – the generic list
The generic names of asthma preventer and reliever inhalers on the South African formulary, and why a preventer works only when used every day.
Preventers are inhaled corticosteroids
Most asthma preventer inhalers contain an inhaled corticosteroid. The common generic names are beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone and ciclesonide. Some preventers combine a corticosteroid with a long-acting reliever, such as budesonide/formoterol or fluticasone/salmeterol. The usual quick reliever is salbutamol. Brand names differ, so check the active ingredient printed on the inhaler.
Preventers, relievers and combinations
Inhaled corticosteroid preventers:
Beclometasone — Beclate, Becotide, Clenil, Aerobec
Asthma — inhaled corticosteroid preventer
Budesonide — Pulmicort, Budecort, Inflammide, Rhinocort (nasal)
Asthma preventer; COPD; allergic rhinitis (nasal spray)
Fluticasone Propionate — Flixotide
Asthma preventer; allergic rhinitis (nasal spray)
Ciclesonide — Alvesco
Persistent asthma (maintenance)
Combination inhalers (corticosteroid plus long-acting bronchodilator):
Budesonide / Formoterol — Symbicort
Asthma (maintenance and reliever therapy — MART); COPD maintenance
Fluticasone / Salmeterol — Seretide, Foxair, Advair, Airflusal
Asthma (step 3+, where ICS alone is insufficient); COPD maintenance
Fluticasone Furoate + Vilanterol — Relvar Ellipta
Persistent asthma; COPD maintenance
Quick reliever:
Salbutamol (Inhaler) — Ventolin, Asthavent, Cipla Salbutamol, Aerolin
Asthma (reliever); COPD (reliever); acute bronchospasm
Rinse your mouth after using a corticosteroid inhaler. A spacer is often recommended with a pressurised inhaler.
Using a preventer properly
- Use the preventer every day as prescribed, even when you feel well.
- Keep the reliever with you for sudden symptoms.
- Bring both inhalers to clinic visits so technique can be checked.
- Ask for a review if you need the reliever more often than usual.
A severe attack is an emergency
Common questions
- What is a preventer inhaler?
- A preventer usually contains an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces airway inflammation over time. It works only when used every day as prescribed.
- What are the names of asthma preventer inhalers?
- Common generic names are beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone and ciclesonide, and combinations such as budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol.
- What is the propellant in asthma inhalers?
- Pressurised (spray) inhalers use a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant, such as HFA-134 or HFA-227. Lower-carbon HFA-152a versions are starting to be approved. The propellant only carries the medicine into the lungs.
Sources
- Primary Healthcare STG and EML, Appendix II: Respiratory devicesNational Department of Health, South Africa
- Primary Healthcare Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines ListNational Department of Health, South Africa
- MHRA approves first lower-carbon pressurised metered dose inhalersThe Pharmaceutical Journal
Sources last checked 6 October 2026.