RESPIRATORY SYSTEM MEDICATIONS

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
MEDS

COMMON USES

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW AS A BRAND NEW

NURSE

Bronchodilators - Antileukotriene
Leukotriene Receptor Antogonists

Prophylactic and long-term

treatment of asthma in adults
and children over the age of
12.

* Not indicated for acute episodes, improvement usually seen

after one week of administration.
* Monitor liver enzymes, can be hepatotoxic.
* Common adverse effects include: HA, dizziness, GI
complaints and insomnia. No known life-threatening adverse
effects.

Indicated for acute

exacerbations of asthma, relief
of bronchoconstriction due to
bronchitis and emphysema and
long-term control of chronic
airway disease.

* Most adverse effects are transient. Commonly occurring

adverse effects include: muscle tremors, anxiety,
nervousness, insomnia and tachycardia.
* Do not use other bronchodilators or OTC medications with
Terbutaline, as they may cause additive cardiovascular
effects.

Indicated for the long-term

management of
bronchoconstriction and
bronchspasms associated with
chronic bronchitis, asthma,
COPD and emphysema.
Indicated for the management
of mild to moderate cases of
asthma, chronic bronchitis,
emphysema and COPD. No
longer used as a first-line
mdication

* Is not indicated for acute episodes due to its delayed onset.

* Common adverse effects include: dry mouth, nasal
congestion, heart palpitations, GI complaints, HA and
anxiety.

Common Examples:
Montelukast (Singulair), Zafirlukast
(Accolate)

Bronchodilators Beta Adrenergic

Agonists
Common Examples:
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), Terbutaline
Sulfate (Brethine), Salmeterol (Serevent),
Tiotropium (Spiriva)

Bronchodilators Anticholinergics
Common Examples:
Ipratropium (Atrovent)

Bronchodilators Xanthine
Derivatives
Common Examples:
Theophylline (Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur)

* Therapeutic blood level: 10-20 mcg/ml.

* Patients should avoid caffeine, as it is a metabolite of
theophylline.
*Contraindicated with known seizure disorder
* Common adverse effects include GI complaints and
anorexia, other adverse effects: tremors, insomnia, anxiety,
agitation, tachycardia, angina, hypotension.

Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids)
Inhaled

Prophylaxis and management

of asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

*Inhalation forms have minimal systemic effects.

* Common adverse effects include: oral and nasal irritation,
HA, increased susceptibility to infections and GI complaints.

Indicated for COPD and acute

exacerbations of asthma.

* Common adverse effects include: insomnia, nervousness,

HA, increased susceptibility to infections and GI complaints.
* May cause delayed growth and development in children.
* Monitor for adrenal insufficiency.

Indicated for the prevention

and treatment of tuberculosis
(TB).

* Adverse effects include, HA, vertigo, GI complaints,

hepatotoxic, red-brown discoloration to sweat, urine and
sputum.
* Vitamin B6 deficiency seen with administration of INH,
supplement with Vit B6 50mg/day.
* Alcohol contraindicated

Common Examples:
Budesonide (Pulmicort, Rhinocort),
Fluticasone (Flonase)

Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids)
Systemic
Common Examples:
Prednisone (Deltasone),
Methlyprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Anti-Tuberculin
Common Examples:
Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (Rifadin)