Medication List PDF

1. Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs) Albuterol (ProAir®, Ventolin®, Proventil®) Use: Quick relief of asthma symptoms and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Pharmacodynamics: Stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. Pharmac...

1. Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (SABAs) Albuterol (ProAir®, Ventolin®, Proventil®) Use: Quick relief of asthma symptoms and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Pharmacodynamics: Stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. Pharmacokinetics: o Onset: 5–15 minutes. o Duration: 4–6 hours. o Metabolized by the liver; excreted in urine. Details: o Used PRN (as needed). o Excessive use (>2 days/week) suggests poor asthma control. o Side effects: Tremors, tachycardia, hypokalemia. Levalbuterol (Xopenex®) Use: Rescue inhaler for asthma and COPD with fewer beta-1 effects. Pharmacodynamics: R-enantiomer of albuterol; selectively stimulates beta-2 receptors, leading to bronchodilation. Pharmacokinetics: o Onset: 5–10 minutes. o Duration: 3–6 hours. o Metabolized hepatically, excreted in urine. Details: o Less tachycardia than albuterol. o Used in patients with cardiac concerns. 2. Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonists (LABAs) Salmeterol (Serevent®) Use: Maintenance therapy for moderate-to-severe asthma and COPD (always combined with ICS in asthma). Pharmacodynamics: Selectively stimulates beta-2 receptors, causing prolonged bronchodilation. Pharmacokinetics: o Onset: 30–60 minutes. o Duration: 12+ hours. o Hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4. Details: o BBW: Increased risk of asthma-related death if used without ICS.  o Not for acute relief. Formoterol (Foradil®) Use: Maintenance therapy for asthma and COPD. Pharmacodynamics: Beta-2 agonist with rapid onset and long duration of action. Pharmacokinetics: o Onset: