Pulmonary Medications Flashcards
What is the primary function of the respiratory system?
Mediates gas exchange between the environment and bloodstream.
What are the main components of the upper respiratory tract?
Moves air to the lower respiratory tract, removes debris and pollutants, humidifies and conditions the air.
What occurs in the alveoli of the lower respiratory tract?
Gas exchange between the air and the blood occurs.
What are the main goals of pulmonary medications?
Bronchodilation, facilitation of mucociliary clearance, increased alveolar ventilation, improved control of breathing pattern.
What are bronchodilators used for?
To maintain airflow, manage infections, and manage allergies.
Name two long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (LABAs).
Salmeterol (Serevent), Formoterol (Foradil).
How are short-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (SABAs) commonly delivered?
Orally, subcutaneously, or via inhalation (preferred method).
What is a metered dose inhaler (MDI)?
A portable device that delivers a specific amount of medication to the lungs in the form of a short burst of aerosolized medicine.
What is a nebulizer and how does it work?
A device that delivers medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs, commonly used in hospital settings.
What are the main benefits of using a short-acting beta-adrenergic agonist (SABA)?
Quick relief of symptoms, considered for rescue therapy, prevents/decreases bronchospasms.
Name a common SABA.
Albuterol (ProAir).
What are the primary uses of long-acting beta-adrenergic agonists (LABAs)?
Maintenance drugs to provide stable airways, help with symptoms of COPD, improve sleep, reduce the need for reliever medications.
Name a common LABA.
Salmeterol (Serevent).
What do parasympatholytic agents or muscarinic antagonists do?
They improve bronchodilation by blocking muscarinic receptors that cause bronchoconstriction.
Name two common parasympatholytic agents.
Ipratropium (Atrovent), Tiotropium (Spiriva).
What is the function of methylxanthines?
Block enzyme action to improve bronchodilation, stimulate CNS and skeletal muscle to improve diaphragmatic contractility and reduce fatigue.
Name a common methylxanthine.
Roflumilast (Daliresp).
What are corticosteroids used for in pulmonary medicine?
Reduce the inflammatory response that causes bronchoconstriction.
What are mast cell stabilizers used for?
Prevent release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, reduce inflammatory response.
Name a common mast cell stabilizer.
Cromolyn (Intal).
What are leukotriene inhibitors used for?
Inhibit leukotrienes that promote bronchoconstriction and inflammation.
Name a common leukotriene inhibitor.
Montelukast (Singulair).
What are decongestants used for?
To relieve runny nose, mucosal swelling, and fluid lead from colds or respiratory infections by causing vasoconstriction.
Name two common decongestants.
Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
What are antihistamines used for?
To treat seasonal allergies and respiratory allergic responses by decreasing mucosal congestion, irritation, and discharge.
Name three common antihistamines.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec).
What are antitussives used for?
To manage cough associated with respiratory symptoms, suppress ineffective dry hacking cough.
Name two common antitussives.
Benzonatate (Tessalon), Codeine.
What are mucolytics used for?
Decrease thickness of mucus by disrupting the bonds of mucoid and purulent secretions.
Name a common mucolytic.
Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst).
What are expectorants used for?
Facilitate expectoration of respiratory secretions by increasing hydration of airway or volume of secretions.
Name a common expectorant.
Guaifenesin (Mucinex).
What are respiratory stimulants used for?
Stimulate the central respiratory center to increase ventilation.
Name a common respiratory stimulant.
Doxapram (Dopram).
What are respiratory depressants used for?
To manage anxious breathing and agitation by suppressing ventilatory drive.
Name two common respiratory depressants.
Sedatives, Narcotics.
What are the main considerations for pulmonary rehabilitation?
Focus on respiratory hygiene, increase effectiveness of medications, postural drainage, breathing exercises, monitor vital signs.
How can bronchodilators improve respiratory function?
By improving airway diameter and reducing resistance, thus enhancing airflow and oxygenation.
What should be monitored during pulmonary rehabilitation?
Monitor vital signs, including heart rate and EKG, for any abnormalities.
What should be done if non-cardiac symptoms such as nervousness or tremors are observed during pulmonary rehabilitation?
Notify the physician due to potential toxicity risk.
What should be done to reduce the risk of oral infection after using an inhaler?
Gargle with mouthwash or water to reduce risk of oral infection, throat irritation, or hoarseness.
