Can You Identify the Type of Asthma Inhaler Based on Its Color?

Though many experts agree that color-coding inhalers would benefit patients, there’s still a lack of standardization of these devices worldwide.

According to a 2017 report from the American Medical Association (AMA), unlike in Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe, there’s currently no standardized convention for the coloration of respiratory inhalers in the United States.

In general, however, reliever medication inhalers are blue, and preventer inhalers are brown. However, this isn’t always the case, which can create confusion.

Here are what some of the most common colors can mean, but always double-check the label before use.

Blue

Blue is the color most often used for “reliever” or “rescue” inhalers. However, different brands will often use other colors for albuterol as well. These inhalers are short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) that contain medication like albuterol, which quickly relaxes respiratory muscles.

Reliever or rescue inhalers get their name from their intended use — they’re intended to offer quick relief in case of an emergency.

Most people with asthma are prescribed a reliever inhaler, so you will likely be able to find this type more readily than others.

Brown

Brown is most often the color of “preventer” or “controller” inhalers. These devices contain corticosteroids that gradually reduce inflammation in the respiratory system over time.

These inhalers are designed to be taken regularly to prevent and gradually improve asthma symptoms over time. As a result, they’re not appropriate in case of an asthma attack or respiratory emergency.

These inhalers are meant to be used even when you don’t have symptoms. Doing so may improve your day-to-day quality of life. Using a spacer with a preventer or controller inhaler can help make using them easier and prevent side effects like a sore throat or a hoarse voice.

Green

Green is the color most often used for long-acting bronchodilator inhalers, which help manage chronic airway conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Like preventer/controller inhalers, these are intended to manage and reduce symptoms gradually over time. They are not intended to treat acute or emergency symptoms.

Orange or Yellow

Orange or yellow devices, like brown ones, tend to be preventer/controller inhalers. However, they may sometimes be reliever/rescue inhalers, so always asses the device carefully before use.

Flovent (fluticasone) is a type of corticosteroid often found in orange or yellow devices. Proventil (albuterol sulfate) also typically uses a yellow or orange inhaler.

Red, Pink, or Purple

Red, pink, or purple devices tend to indicate a combination of preventer/controller and reliever/rescue medication.

For instance, these devices may contain a combination of a corticosteroid and SABA to provide both short-term emergency support and long-term preventive care.

Advair (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol) is a preventive asthma medication that commonly comes in a purple inhaler.