Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System Flashcards
What do respiratory medications treat
- asthma
- bronchitis
- emphysema
What is asthma
chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway
What do Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists do
activates beta-2 receptors resulting in bronchodilation
Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists medication examples
Salmeterol
Terbutaline
What is Albuterol classification
bronchodilators
What does Albuterol treat
wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems
- asthma
- COPD
How does Albuterol work
- opens breathing passages
- relaxes muscles
What are Salmeterol and Terbutaline used for
Asthma
What are contraindications of Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists
tachydysrhythmias
In what patients should Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists be used cautiously in
- diabetes
- hyperthyroidism
- heart disease
What adverse effects can occur with inhaled agents
- tachycardia
- angina b/c of alpha-1 activation
- tremors b/c of beta-2 activation
Use of an inhaler teaching
Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
• Shake the inhaler
• Tilt head back slightly and breathe out
• Open mouth
• Hold inhaler 1 to 2 inches away
• Use spacer attached to inhaler
• Hold inhaler in your mouth
• Press down on inhaler to release medicine
• Breathe in slowly for 3 to 5 s
• Hold your breath for 10 s to allow medicine to go deeply into your lungs
• Repeat puffs as directed
• Wait 1 min between puffs to allow the second puff to get into the lungs better
What does Theophylline do
- relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation
- relives bronchospasm
What is Theophylline used for
long term control of chronic asthma
How can Theophylline be administered
- oral
- IV for emergency use only
What classification is Theophylline under
Methylxanthines
Mild toxicity reactions of methylxanthines
- GI distress
- Nervousness/restlessness
More severe reactions of methylxanthines
- arrhythmias
- tachycardia
- tremors
What should you instruct the patient to do if adverse reactions of Theophylline occurs
notify the provider
Patient teaching for a patient taking Theophylline
Theophylline levels will need to be drawn
What should be avoided when taking Theophylline
caffeine
What will smoking do when taking Theophylline
decrease effects
What will alcohol abuse do when taking Theophylline
increase effects
What is the action of Montelukast
decrease symptoms caused by asthma or allergies
Montelukast uses
- long term treatment to prevent or treat asthma
- in pt older than 14 yrs, prevents exercise-induced asthma (bronchospasm)
What else does Montelukast treat
allergic rhinitis
allergies
hay fever
What do Glucocorticoids do
prevents inflammatory response by suppression of airway mucus production
Glucocorticoids medications
- prednisone
- betamethasone
- fluticasone
- methylprednisolone
What are short-term Glucocorticoids for
acute asthma attacks
What are long-term Glucocorticoids for
prophylaxis (prevention) of asthma
Precautions of Glucocorticoids
diabetes pt may require a higher dose
-do NOT stop abruptly
What should Glucocorticoids be administered with
meals
What should NOT be used with Glucocorticoids
NSAIDs
How should you stop Glucocorticoids
taper off the medication
If a Glucocorticoids inhalant is used w/ a bronchodilator how should you take them together
wait 5-15 min before using inhaler containing steroid for bronchodilator effect
