Respiratory System Pharmacology

Question 0

antitussives

Answer 0

relieve or suppress coughing by blocking the cough reflex in the medulla of the brain.
Antitussives alleviate nonproductive dry coughs and should not be used with productive coughs.

hydrocodone: Hycodan
dextromethorphan: Vicks formula 44

Question 1

antihistimines

Answer 1

Block histamines from binding with histamine receptor sites in tissues.
Histamines cause sneezing, runny nose, itchiness, and rashes.

fexofenadine (Allegra)
loratadine (Claratin)

Question 2

Bronchodilators

Answer 2

Stimulate bronchial muscles to relax, thereby expanding air passages, resulting in increased air flow.
Bronchodilators are used to treat chronic symptoms and prevent acute attacks in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD. Pharmacological agents may be delivered by an inhaler either orally or intravenously.

albuterol: Proventil, Ventolin
salmeterol: Serevent

Question 3

corticosteroids

Answer 3

Act on the immune system by blocking production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory reactions.

Corticosteroids are available as nasal sprays, in metered-dose-inhalers (inhaled steroids) and in oral forms (pills or syrups) to treat chronic lung conditions such as asthma and COPD.

beclomethasone dipropionate (Vanceril, Beclovent)
triamcinolone (Azmacort)

Question 4

decongestants

Answer 4

Constrict blood vessels of nasal passages and limit blood flow, which causes swollen tissues to shrink so that air can pass more freely through the passageways.
Decongestants are commonly prescribed for allergies and colds and are usually combined with antihistamines in cold remedies. They can be administered orally or topically as nasal sprays and nasal drops.

Question 5

expectorants

Answer 5

Liquify respiratory secretions so that they are more easily dislodged during coughing episodes. Expectorants are prescribed for productive coughs.

guaifenesin (Robitussin, Organidin)