Table 2.

Drugs for second line, additive control of asthma

Drug	Route and frequency	Therapeutic ratio	Anti-inflammatory activity	Symptom control	Tolerance	Cost
Long acting β2 agonist	Inhaled, twice daily*	High	None	Good	Yes	Expensive
Theophylline	Oral, twice daily	Low	Weak	Moderate	No	Cheap
Leukotriene antagonist	Oral, once or twice daily	High	Moderate	Good	No	Expensive

^* May be used once daily for nocturnal symptoms.