RESPIRATORY SYSTEM MEDICATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM COMMON USES
MEDS
Antileukotriene – Leukotriene Prophylactic and long-term
Receptor Agonists treatment of asthma in adults
Common Examples: and children over the age of
Montelukast (Singulair), Zafirlukast 12.
(Accolate)
Bronchodilators – Beta Adronergic Indicated for acute
Agonists exacerbations of asthma, relief
Common Examples: of bronchoconstriction due to
Albuterol (proventil), Terbutaline Sulfate bronchitis and emphysema and
(Brethine), Salmeterol (Serevent)
long-term control of chronic
airway disease.
Bronchodilators – Anticholinergics Indicated for the long-term
Common Examples: management of
Ipratropium (Atrovent) bronchoconstriction and
bronchspasms associated with
chronic bronchitis and
emphysema.
Bronchodilators – Xanthine Indicated for the management
Derivatives of mild to moderate cases of
Common Examples: asthma, chronic bronchitis,
Theophylline (Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur) emphysema and COPD.
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW AS A BRAND NEW
NURSE
* 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.
* Most adverse effects are transient. Commonly occurring
adverse effects include: muscle tremors, anxiety, insomnia
and tachycardia.
* Do not use other bronchodilators or OTC medications with
Terbutaline, as they may cause additive cardiovascular
effects.
* 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.
* Therapeutic blood level: 10-20 mcg/ml.
* Patients should avoid caffeine, as it is a metabolite of
theophylline.
* Common adverse effects include GI complaints and
anorexia, other adverse effects: tremors, insomnia, anxiety,
agitation, tachycardia, angina, hypotension.
Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids) –
Inhaled
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)
Prophylaxis and management
of asthma, and allergic rhinitis.
Indicated for COPD and acute
exacerbations of asthma.
Indicated for the prevention
and treatment of tuberculosis
(TB).
*Inhalation forms have minimal systemic effects.
* Common adverse effects include: oral and nasal irritation,
HA, increased susceptibility to infections and GI complaints.
* 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.
* 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