Pharmacology Drug Cards

Study Notes

Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, ProAir)

Drug Class: Short acting beta agonist
Dosage:
- Prevention of bronchospasm: 1-2 inhalations every 4-6 hours
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm: 2 inhalations 15 minutes prior to exercise
- Nebulizer doses: 0.63mg, 1.25mg, or 2.5mg, 3-4 times daily
- Tablets/Syrup: 2-4 mg, 3-4 times daily; extended-release: 4-8 mg every 12 hours
Actions: Relief and prevention of bronchospasm in asthma patients
Side Effects: Nervousness, tremor, headache, palpitations, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, and nausea
Contraindications: Patients on antidepressants

Levabuterol (Xopenex)

Drug Class: Short acting beta agonist
Dosage: Varies by unit dose (0.31 mg, 0.63 mg, 1.25 mg in 3 ml)
Actions: Treatment and prevention of bronchospasm due to reversible obstructive airway disease
Side Effects: Dry mouth, nervousness, sore throat, and tremors
Contraindications: High blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, coronary insufficiency, seizures, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, hypokalemia

Formoterol

Drug Class: Long acting beta agonist
Dosage:
- Reversible airway obstruction: 80 mcg twice daily
- Acute bronchospasm: 12-24 mcg twice daily (varies by method)
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm: 6 or 12 mcg at least 15 minutes before exercise
Actions: Long-acting bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle
Side Effects: Dizziness, headache, nausea, tremors, and throat irritation
Contraindications: Irregular heartbeat, angina, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, metabolism problems

Arformoterol (Brovana)

Drug Class: Long acting beta agonist
Dosage: Inhalation Solution: 15 mcg/2ml
Actions: Prevents bronchoconstriction in COPD patients; not for acute bronchospasm
Side Effects: Back pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, and nausea
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to arformoterol or its components

Ipratropium (Atrovent)

Drug Class: Anticholinergic
Dosage:
- Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations (36 mcg) 4 times daily
- Nebulized solution: 500 mcg (1 unit dose) 3-4 times daily
Actions: Relaxes muscles around airways to ease breathing
Side Effects: Cough, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, and headache
Contraindications: Narrow-angled glaucoma, enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction

Tiotropium (Spiriva)

Drug Class: Long acting beta agonist
Dosage: 18 mcg by inhalation once daily
Actions: Treats bronchospasm or wheezing in COPD patients
Side Effects: Dizziness, dry mouth, throat irritation
Contraindications: Not specified in the text provided

Description

Test your knowledge on Albuterol and its various forms with this pharmacology quiz. The quiz covers essential dosages and usage guidelines for preventing and treating bronchospasm. Perfect for students in pharmacology or healthcare programs!