Respiratory agents

Question 1

What are antitussives for and drugs used?

Answer 1

For:
- Reduces coughing
Drugs:
- Butorphanol
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone

Question 2

What are bronchodilators for and drugs used?

Answer 2

For:
- Helps air flow
- Stimulation of B receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle = relaxation
Drugs:
- Terbutaline
- Clenbuterol
- Theophyline – methylxanthine
- Atropine – anti-cholinergic
- Albuterol
- Glucocorticoids (steroids)

Question 3

What are mucolytics/expectorants for and drugs used?

Answer 3

For:
- Helps bronchial secretion
- Helps clearance
- Increase coughing
Drugs:
- Guaifenesin (Eq)
N-acetylcysteine
Dembrexine (Eq)

Question 4

What are respiratory stimulants for and drugs used?

Answer 4

For:
- Helps with respiratory rate
- Apnoeic neonates
- Emergency under anaesthesia to stimulate breathing
Drugs:
- Doxapram – stimulates respiratory centre and chemoreceptors
- Not as effective as doxpram pro plus

Question 5

What are anti-histamines for and drugs used?

Answer 5

For:
- Anaphylaxis
- Drug reaction, wasp/bee stings etc.
- Decreases histamine (inflammation and bronchoconstriction)
Drugs:
- Chlorphenamine
- Diphenhydramine