respiratory meds Flashcards
Defense mechanisms of the respiratory system
Coughing or sneezing
Mucus secretions that help trap particles
A nasal cavity full of a maze of airways (called turbinates) that helps to discourage particles from getting to the lungs
mucociliary-clearance mechanism
The layer of mucus secreted onto the surface of the epithelial lining of the respiratory tract helps to trap foreign debris that enters the respiratory passages.
Expectorants.
Cause thick mucus secretions to become thinner.
Given orally and are best used with productive coughs
Bonus- Guaifenesin, iodides, and aerosolized hypertonic saline are examples of such a drug.
Mucolytics.
Cause chemical breakdown of mucus and are used to help unclog very thick secretions.
bonus - example- Acetylcysteine- nebulized to be administered.
Antitussives
Used to suppress coughing, by engaging the coughing reflex center in the brain.
Bonus: Examples - Butorphano, Hydrocodone, Codeine, Dextromethorphan (Dimetapp DM or Robitussin DM, Temaril-P
Temaril-P
A combination of prednisone and trimeprazine.
Bronchodilators (general)
Help open airways.
Often work because smooth muscle is relaxed)
Often nebulazied
Antihistamines (respiratory meds)
*useful in treating respiratory disease because they prevent mast cell degranulation and block H1 receptors on smooth muscle and thus relieve bronchoconstriction.
List some Bronchodilators (6)
Epinephrine
Albuterol
Cholinergic blockers (acetylcholine relaxes smooth muscle)
Beta-2 adrenergic agonists (also release antihistamine)
Antihistamines
Methylxanthine
Decongestants
Eliminate or reduce swelling or congestion of nasal passages
Bonus - they’re of limited use in veterinary medicine but can sometimes be used for upper respiratory problems in cats.
Corticosteroids (respiratory meds)
Treat respiratory conditions due to allergies, most effective for treating equine COPD,
can help feline asthma,
helps inflammation
controls signs/symptoms not disease
The work of the respiratory system can be divided into the following four parts:
Ventilation
Distribution
Diffusion
Perfusion
inspissated
dry
Contraction of bronchiole smooth muscle fibers can result from the following three basic mechanisms
(1) Release of acetylcholine or inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.
(2)Release of histamine
(3) Blockade of beta2-adrenergic receptors
nebulizers
produce and deliver smaller particles that reach deep into the respiratory system whereas MDIs (inhalers) deliver particles to the upper airways
