Medications fo Respiratory System

Question 1

Medications for Respiratory System

Answer 1

–>medications used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions caused by asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema

1) Beta2 Adrenergic Agonists
2) Methylzanthines
3) Inhaled Anticholinergics
4) Glucococorticoids
5) Leukotriene Modifiers
6) Antitussives, Expectorants, Mucolytics
7) Decongestants, Antihistamines

Question 2

I. Beta2 Adrenergic Agonists

Answer 2

• -> promote bronchodilation by activating beta2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle
• beta blockers will reduce effects
• caution against using salmeterol more frequently than q12hr
• Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)–inhaled (short-acting)
• Formoterol (Foradil), Salmeterol (Serevent)–inhaled (long-acting)
• Terbutaline (Brethine)–oral (long-acting)

Question 3

II. Methylxanthines

Answer 3

• ->relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, resulting in bronchodilation
• contraindicated w/ active peptic ulcer disease
• phenobarbital and phenytoin decrease theophylline levels
• caffeine, furosemide, cimetidine, fluoroquinolones, acetaminophen, and phenylbutazone falsely elevate therapeutic levelsd

Aminophylline (Truphylline)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theo-42)

Question 4

III. Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 4

• ->muscarinic receptor blockers resulting in bronchodilation
• contraindicated for those w/ peanut allergy
• use caution extreme caution with narrow-angle glaucoma and BPH

Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Tiotropium (Spiriva)

Question 5

IV. Glucocorticoids

Answer 5

• -> prevent inflammatory response by suppression of airway mucus production, immune responses, and adrenal function
• short-term
• IV agents: status asthmaticus
• oral: treatment of symptoms following an acute asthma attack
• long-term:
• inhaled: prophylaxis of asthma
• oral: treatment of chronic asthma

Oral

• Prednisone (Deltasone)
• Prednisolone (Prelone)
• Betamethasone (Celestone)

Inhalation

• Beclomethasone dipropionate (QVAR)
• Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler)
• Fluticasone propionate (Advair, Flovent)
• Triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort)

IV

• Hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Solu-Cortef)
• Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol)
• Betamethasone sodium phosphate (Betnesol, Celestone Phosphate)

Question 6

V. Leukotriene Modifiers

Answer 6

• ->prevent effects of leukotriene resulting in decreased inflammation, bronchoconstriction, airway edema, and mucus production
• ->exercise induced asthma
• do not use for acute asthma attack

Question 7

VI. Antitussives, Expectorants, Mucolytics

Answer 7

Antitussives
–>suppress cough through action in the CNS

Hydrocodone, codeine

Expectorants
–>promote increased mucous secretion to increase cough production

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Mucolytics
–>enhance the flow of secretions in the respiratory tract

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst, Acetadote)
Hypertonic saline

Question 8

VII. Decongestants, Antihistamines

Answer 8

Decongestants
–>stimulate alpha1 adrenergic receptors, causing reduced inflammation of nasal membranes

Phenylephrine (Sudafed)
Ephedrine (Pretz-D)
Naphazoline (Privine)
Phenylpropanolamine

Antihistamines
–>decrease allergic response by competing for histamine receptor sites

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Loratadine (Claritin)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Desloratadine (Clarinex)