Lower Respiratory Disorders Medications Overview

Albuterol stimulates beta2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation.

Albuterol can cause CNS effects like tremors, headaches, and restlessness, and CV effects like tachycardia and palpitations.

Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator, used for asthma and COPD prophylaxis, usually taken before exercise.

Salmeterol can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Anticholinergics block muscarinic receptors, used to treat COPD.

Ipratropium inhibits acetylcholine by blocking M3 receptors, relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, and dilating bronchi.

Used in combination with albuterol to enhance effectiveness and duration of action, especially in chronic asthma and stable COPD.

Xanthines inhibit phosphodiesterase, increasing cAMP. This leads to relaxed smooth muscle in the airways.

Aminophylline/Theophylline are examples of Xanthine drugs.

Used for maintenance therapy, especially for stable asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).

Potential side effects include dry mouth, dyspepsia, and urinary retention.

Potential side effects include irritability, headaches, and possible cardiac or seizure issues.

Beta-blockers can cause severe bradycardia (slow heart rate) and potentially life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias if given with beta-adrenergic agonists.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (such as Montelukast) bind to leukotriene receptors, blocking the production of bronchoconstriction.

Montelukast is used in allergic rhinitis, exercise-induced asthma, and asthma maintenance therapy to suppress the effects of bronchoconstriction and other symptoms.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists can cause CNS side effects such as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, irritability, and depression. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting may also occur.

Montelukast is administered orally (PO) and is often recommended 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals to maximize efficiency and avoid potential stomach upset.

Relaxes smooth muscle in bronchi, bronchioles, and pulmonary blood vessels, easing breathing.

PD can be administered orally (PO) or intravenously (IV).

The optimal concentration range for PD is 10-20 mcg/mL in the blood.

PD can cause anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric pain.

Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and hypotension are possible side effects.

Smoking accelerates the metabolism of PD, requiring dose adjustments.

Rapid IV administration of PD increases the risk of digoxin issues.

PD can decrease blood clotting time.

Avoid caffeinated products when taking PD, as it can affect its metabolism.

PD administered intravenously should be done gently/slowly to avoid excessive hypotension and dizziness.