Pharmacology of Respiratory Drugs

Drugs for Upper Respiratory Tract

• Antihistamines
  • Examples: Chlorpheniramine, Diphenhydramine, Claritin, Cetirizine
• Drugs for Common Colds
  • Example: Phenylephrine
• Drugs for Cough
  • Antitussives: Dextromethorphan, Codeine, Butamire
  • Expectorant: Guaifenesin
  • Mucolytic: Carbocysteine, Ambroxol, Bromhexine

Drugs for Lower Respiratory Tract

• Bronchodilators
  • Xanthine Derivatives (Methylxanthines)
    • Example: Aminophylline (Theophylline Thylenediamine)
    • Therapeutic Level: 10-20 mcg/ml
    • Toxicity:
      • Nausea: First sign, occurs at levels greater than 20 mcg/mL
      • Tremor: Occurs at levels greater than 35 mcg/mL
  • Sympathomimetic Bronchodilators/Beta-2 Agonists
    • Short Acting: Albuterol (Duration: ≤ 20 minutes, lasts 4-6 hours)
    • Long Acting: Terbutaline (Lasts 12 hours)
  • Anticholinergic Bronchodilators:
    • Example: Ipratromium Bromide (Inhalation)
• Steroids
  • Examples:
    • Beclomethasone
    • Hydrocortisone
    • Prednisone

Nursing Considerations

• Breathing and Coughing Techniques: Help remove secretions and optimize oxygen exchange
• Relaxation Techniques: Use music for relaxation
• Vital Signs: Assess heart rate and blood pressure
• Patient Positioning: Use appropriate positioning for comfort
• Tremors: Observe for tremors, a possible side effect of medications
• Hydration: Encourage 8 or more glasses of fluid to thin secretions
• Smoking Cessation: Emphasize the importance of no smoking
• Steroid Usage:
  • Acute Attacks: Do not use steroids for acute attacks.
  • Bronchodilator First: Use Bronchodilator before Corticosteroid aerosol.
  • Inhale and Hold: Hold inhaled drug for a few seconds before exhaling.
  • Time Between Inhalations: Allow 1-3 minutes to elapse between each inhalation
  • Rinse Mouth: Rinse mouth with water after using inhaled steroids.
  • Sore Throat/Mouth: Notify provider if sore throat or mouth occurs.
  • Do Not Stop Abruptly: Do not stop steroids abruptly.
  • Taper Off: Taper off gradually under provided supervision.

Anti-Asthma Drugs

• Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist:
  • Example: Montelukast
• Mast Cell Stabilizers:
  • Example: Cromolyn Sodium

This quiz covers the pharmacological aspects of drugs affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract. It includes classifications such as antihistamines, bronchodilators, and their respective examples and therapeutic levels. Test your knowledge on the different types of medications used for treating respiratory conditions.