Medications

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Respiratory / Pulmonology

Each brand enzyme comes in multiple strengths. Generic enzymes should NOT be used for children with CF.

Enzymes:

Pancreatic enzymes are lacking in most children with CF, so these are taken to help absorb protein, carbohydrate and fat from food. The amount prescribed is based on a child's weight and the dose will be adjusted often as a child grows. Brand name enzymes include:

  • Creon
  • Pancreaze
  • Zenpep

Vitamins

Certain vitamins are poorly absorbed in children with CF, and extra vitamins are needed to keep children healthy. They include:

  • AquaADEK
  • Source CF
  • Vitamax

Reflux medications

These medications are needed to treat stomach reflux when it occurs. They are also prescribed to some children to help enzymes work better.

  • Zantac
  • Prevacid
  • Prilosec

Laxatives

  • Lactulose: a liquid syrup medicine given to young infants with constipation.
  • Miralax: A powder mixed in liquid for older infants with constipation.

Actigall (ursodiol)

A medication prescribed to treat liver disease in CF.

Medications for the Lungs:

Antibiotics are chosen based on what bacteria are found on respiratory cultures, the symptoms during an illness, any allergies and a child's previous response to antibiotics.

Inhaled or Nebulized Medications

  • Pulmozyme: A preventative medication that helps break down mucous in the lungs making it easier to cough out.
  • Bronchodilators (albuterol, xopenex): These help open the airways to improve clearance of mucous.
  • Hypertonic Saline: A strong salt solution that helps restore a normal environment in the lungs and encourages a healthy cough.

Inhaled Antibiotics

Keeps certain bacteria (pseudomonas) from growing in the lungs. Examples include:

  • TOBI
  • Cayston

Steroids

These are used less often in children that are having asthma type symptoms in addition to CF. They can be given for a short time by mouth, or can be taken long term in an inhaled or nebulized form.

Oral Antibiotics for Respiratory Illnesses

These are medications used to treat bacteria in the lungs or sinuses that can cause an infection. Common antibiotics used in CF include:

  • Augmentin
  • Omnicef
  • Bactrim (sometimes in combination with Rifampin)
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Linezolid