Upper_Lower_Respiratory+Grid.docx

LOWER RESPIRATORY GRID SYMPATHOMIMETICS Beta-Adrenergic Agonists Short acting: albuterol (Ventolin): Rescue Long acting: salmeterol (Serevent) Key content: using too much might Reverse intended effects ANTICHOLINERGICS e.g. tioptropium (Spiriva) (Treatment of Bronchospasms) Key content:...

LOWER RESPIRATORY GRID SYMPATHOMIMETICS Beta-Adrenergic Agonists Short acting: albuterol (Ventolin): Rescue Long acting: salmeterol (Serevent) Key content: using too much might Reverse intended effects ANTICHOLINERGICS e.g. tioptropium (Spiriva) (Treatment of Bronchospasms) Key content: Capsule is used in inhaler Keep capsule in package until ready to use Long acting: This drug is NOT to be used as a rescue inhaler. METHYLXANTHNE DERIVATIVES e.g. theophylline Caffeine derivative = Do not ingest other sources of caffeine w/this. Key content: Narrow therapeutic index: 5-15mcg/mL (>20 is Toxic) Interacts with many medications IV or PO: Used inpatient due to risk of toxicity. LEUKOTRIENE e.g. montelukast (Singulair) Good for exercise induced asthma as a form of prevention- not a rescue medication. Good for kids: *Depending on level of activity. Key content: PO: Take 2 hours before exercise. Do not use as a rescue inhaler. ADR: SJS/ANGIOEDEMA STEROIDS (Glucocorticoids) e.g. beclomethasone (Beconase) Decreases inflammation in respiratory system (use for mod-severe exacerbations) IV/PO = For short term use Inhaler = Prevention of Exacerbation Key content: Likely to cause fungal infection if inhaled. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Most effective asthma treatment is Steroid Best rescue treatment is Short Acting Beta-Adrenergic Agonist (SABA); albuterol These conditions and treatments are required to improve breathing by opening the airways UPPER RESPIRATORY GRID ANTIHISTAMINE Known as H1 Blockers e.g. 1st generation: diphenhydramine (Benadryl)- more sedating e.g. 2nd generation: loratadine (Claritin)- less sedating Key content: 1st generation can cause paradoxical CNS Stimulation and Urinary Retention DECONGESTANTS Sprays and drops preferred because Less risk of systemic side effects e.g. ephedrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine- Alpha Adrenergic Agonists Key content: PO will cause Systemic Side Effects Side effect risks include: Increased Blood Pressure Increased Blood Glucose STEROIDS (Glucocorticoids) Preferred route is intranasal. Good for treating Rhinitis. e.g. beclomethasone (Beconase) Key content: Short term use: this is to prevent the risk for systemic complications. Must take medication as directed. ANTITUSSIVES Stop cough by blocking the cough reflex in the medulla (cough-control center) Only should be used for non-productive cough e.g. codeine e.g. dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM) Key content: Usually contradicted in COPD EXPECTORANTS By thinning secretions patient can cough them up easier. e.g. guaifenesin (Mucinex) Key content: Often combined with Antitussives Teach the patient to Read OTC labels carefully & Increase Fluids. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER The common cold is the most common virus among humans and why many use these medications. It is not typically a life threatening illness. The life threatening part can be the side effects of drugs and combining OTC/Rx.