Common Medications Used in CF Care

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Medications for the Digestive Tract

• 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:
• Ultrase
• Creon
• Pancrease
• Pancrecarb

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

• 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:

• 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.
• TOBI: An antibiotic (tobramycin) that keeps certain bacteria (pseudomonas) from growing in the lungs.
• 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

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.

Itraconazole (Sporanox ®)

Printable Version
Itraconazole is a medicine used to treat serious infections caused by fungus.

Linezolid (Zyvox ®)

Printable Version
Linezolid is a an antibiotic used to treat serious infections know as methacillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA).

Know Your Enzymes

Printable Version
The Role of Pancreatic Enzymes Play in Achieving Good Nutrition