Cystic Fibrosis affects the lungs and the digestive tract - these areas are likely to require medication. Infections can be cleared or controlled by a variety of drugs. Here is a guide to the most commonly used medication for people with Cystic Fibrosis.

Lungs

Medication can be administered in various ways: inhaled into the lungs using nebulisers, taken orally or taken intravenously (injected). These drugs treat the lungs in the following ways:

• Bronchodilator drugs open the airways by relaxing the surrounding muscle. They relieve tightness and shortness of breath.
• Antibiotics help to treat or control persistent infection. For further information, read our Consensus document on antibiotics in the publications library.
• Steroids reduce inflammation in the airways.
• DNase breaks down mucus making it easier to clear

Digestive system

Cystic Fibrosis affects the pancreas, so enzyme pills should be taken with meals and snacks to replace pancreatic enzymes and enable people with CF to gain more energy from the food they eat. Your dietitian or doctor can advise you on the appropriate type/dosage of enzyme supplement.

Nutritional supplements such as high-energy drinks can also help to compensate for ineffective digestion. See the nutrition pages for more details.

Anyone suffering from CF related diabetes will need to balance food intake with appropriate diabetic treatment such as tablets or insulin.

Other affected areas

Bones can be affected by a lack of minerals, which can cause osteoporosis (weak/brittle bones). Bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, have been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of osteoporosis in Cystic Fibrosis.

Research is being carried out to investigate the benefits of high doses of vitamin D and calcium.

If someone with CF is having liver problems, they will be treated in the same way as other people with this condition. Promising results have been reported following early treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid.