Medications

Medicines for cystic fibrosis help keep the lungs as healthy as possible, reduce and control mucus in the lungs, and replace digestive enzymes.

Medication Choices

Medicines for cystic fibrosis include:

Medicine to treat infections

Antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin [Cipro] and tobramycin [TOBI])

Medicines to open breathing tubes in the lungs or keep them open

Bronchodilators (such as albuterol or salmeterol)

Anticholinergics (such as Atrovent)

Medicines to control the amount and thickness of mucus

DNase (such as Pulmozyme)

Mucolytics (such as acetylcysteine)

Saltwater solution (hypertonic saline)

Medicines to reduce inflammation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen)

Membrane stabilizers (such as cromolyn)

Corticosteroids (such as fluticasone or prednisone)

Medicines to replace the effect of digestive enzymes

Enzyme replacement therapy (such as Creon or Pancreaze)

What to Think About

Some medicines work better for some people than for others. A medicine that works well for one person may not work for someone else. It can take time to find the medicines that work best for you or your child.