Respiratory Flashcards
Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonist
+ albuterol (short-acting, for acute episodes)
+ salmeterol (long-acting)
INDICATIONS: Asthma, COPD
MODE OF ACTION: Binds to beta 2 receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilator.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tachycardia, angling, tremors
KEY POINTS: If using along with an inhaled glucocorticoid, take beta 2 adrenergic agonist FIRST and wait 5 minutes before taking glucocorticoid.
Xanthines
+ theophylline (Theolair)
INDICATIONS: Long-term control of asthma, COPD.
MODE OF ACTION: Increases cAMP, resulting in bronchodilator
SIDE EFFECTS: GI upset, DYSRHYTHMIAS, SEIZURES.
KEY POINTS: Not used much due to serious side effects. Periodic serum levels are needed.
Inhaled Anticholinergic
+ ipratropium (Atrovent)
INDICATIONS: Asthma, COPD
MODE OF ACTION: Blocks Each receptors in airway smooth muscle, causing bronchodilator.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, hoarseness.
KEY POINTS: Increase fluids. Suck on SUGAR-FREE CANDY.
Inhaled Glucocorticoids
+ beclomethasone (QVAR)
INDICATIONS: Asthma; use alone or in combination with a beta 2 adrenergic agonist.
MODE OF ACTION: Decreases inflammation (locally).
SIDE EFFECTS: Hoarseness, candidiasis (fungal infection).
KEY POINTS: RINSE MOUTH WITH WATER AFTER ADMINISTRATION. Use bronchodilator FIRST, wait 5 minutes, then use glucocorticoid.
Oral Glucocorticoids
+ prednisone
INDICATIONS: Wide variety of chronic illnesses, including asthma, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory disorders.
MODE OF ACTION: Decreases inflammation and suppresses immune response (systemically).
MANY SIDE EFFECTS: BONE LOSS, WEIGHT GAIN/FLUID RETENTION, HYPERGLYCEMIA, HYPOKALEMIA, INFECTION, MUSCLE WEAKNESS, PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE, ADRENAL GLAND SUPPRESSION.
KEY POINTS: Periods of stress may require additional doses. Do not stop suddenly (must taper slowly). MONITOR FOR SIGNS OF INFECTIONS. Avoid NSAIDS.
Leukotriene Modifier
+ montelukast (Singular)
OTHER LEUKOTRIENE MODIFIER: Zafirlukast
INDICATIONS: Asthma and prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction,
MODE OF ACTION: Decreases effect of leukotrienes, which reduces airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction.
SIDE EFFECTS: Increase in liver enzymes with zafirlukast.
KEY POINTS: Take montelukast in the evening or 2 hours before exercise. Avoid taking zafirlukast with food.
Antitussives: Opioids
+ codeine
INDICATIONS: Nonproductive cough.
MODE OF ACTION: Decreases cough reflex.
SIDE EFFECTS: Sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, GI upset, dependency.
KEY POINTS: Change positions slowly, avoid alcohol, increase fiber and fluid intake.
Expectorants
+ guaifenesin (Mucinex)
INDICATIONS: Nonproductive cough associated with respiratory infections.
MODE OF ACTION: Reduces viscosity of secretions (i.e. thins secretions), making coughs more productive.
SIDE EFFECTS: GI upset, drowsiness, rash.
KEY POINTS: Increase fluid intake to help liquify secretions!
Mucolytics
+ acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
INDICATIONS: Pulmonary disorders w/thick mucous secretions, cystic fibrosis. ALSO USED AS AN ANTIDOTE FOR ACETAMINOPHEN POISONING.
MODE OF ACTION: Improves flow of secretions in respiratory tract.
SIDE EFFECTS: Bronchospasm, N/V, rash.
KEY POINTS: Medication smells like rotten eggs. Use cautiously in patients with asthma.
Decongestants
+ phenylephrine
OTHER DECONGESTANTS: Pseudoephedrine
INDICATIONS: Rhinitis (nasal congestion)
MODE OF ACTION: Vascoconstriction of respiratory tract mucosa.
SIDE EFFECTS: Agitation, nervousness, palpitations.
Antihistamines: First and Second Generation
+ diphenhydramine - First Generation
+ loratadine - Second Generation
INDICATIONS: Nasal decongestion, mild allergic reactions, motion sickness.
MODE OF ACTION: Blocks histamine release, reduces mucus secretions.
FIRST GENERATION SIDE EFFECTS: SEDATION, ANTICHOLINERGIC EFFECTS (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention).
Nasal Glucocorticoids
+ mometasone (Nasonex)
OTHER NASAL GLUCOCORTICOIDS: Fluticasone, budesonide (many end in -one).
INDICATIONS: Rhinitis (nasal congestion).
MODE OF ACTION: Decreases inflammation in nasal passages.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nasal burning, pharyngitis (sore throat).
