Respiratory Drugs

Question 1

Hydrocortisone HYC

Answer 1

INDICATED:

• Severe or Life threatening Asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Adrenal crisis, Addisonian crisis. 1) pts in established crisis. 2) Steroid dependent pts, who become unwell, to prevent crisis. If in doubt, administer HYC.

ACTION: Glucocortiod drug that reduces inflammation and suppress immune response.

CONTRA: Know allergy

SIDE EFFECTS: Sodium phosphate may cause burning or itching, in the groin if given too fast.

CAUTIONS: None in single dose. Avoid IM, if pt may req thrombolysis.

Question 2

Ipratropium Bromide IPR

Answer 2

INDICATED:

• Acute severe or Life threatening Asthma
• Acute asthma unresponsive to SLB
• Exacerbation of COPD, unresponsive to SLB

ACTION: 1) Antimuscarinic brochcodilator drug, may provide short term relief in acute asthma.
2) Greater benifit in: children suffering acute astham, and adults with COPD.

CONTRA: None in emergency situation

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, dry mouth, difficulty passing urine / constipated, tachycardia / arrhythmia, paroxysmal tightness of the chest, allergic reaction

CAUTIONS: Use with care in Glaucoma. (protect eyes from mist)

Question 3

Salbutamol SLB

Answer 3

INDICATED: Acute asthma where inhaler has failed to relieve.
Wheeze associated with allergy, anaphylaxis, smoke inhalation or lower airway cause.
Exacerbation of COPD.
Shortness of breath with severe DIB due to LVF.

ACTION: A selective beta2 adrenoceoptor stimulant. Relaxes smooth muscle in med and smaller airways.

CONTRA: None in emergency situations.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, Tachycardia, Palpitations, Headache, Feeling of tension,Peripheral vasodialation, Muscle cramps, Rash.

CAUTIONS: Hypotension, Angina, Overactive thyroid, late pregnancy, Severe hypotension in pts on beta-blockers. (half does should be used unless there is profound hypotension. Limit neb, to 6 mins for COPD.

AD INFO: Ipratropium should be given after the 1st dose of SLB for severe or life threatening asthma.