Basic Respiratory Medications for First-Year Respiratory Therapy Students

Flashcards covering the basic respiratory medications for first-year respiratory therapy students, including their drug classes, primary uses, and key information.

Albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil)

A short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that selectively stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and bronchodilation. It is used for rapid relief of bronchospasm in asthma and COPD. Common side effects include increased heart rate (tachycardia) and tremors due to some systemic β2 stimulation.

Levalbuterol (Xopenex)

A short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that is the pure R-isomer of albuterol. It provides bronchodilation by selectively stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle. Its R-isomer selectivity is thought to result in fewer cardiac side effects (like tachycardia) and tremors compared to racemic albuterol, particularly at higher doses.

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)

A short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) that blocks acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscles of the bronchi, leading to bronchodilation. It is primarily used for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD and can be used in acute asthma exacerbations, often in combination with a SABA. It has a slower onset than SABAs.

Duoneb (Albuterol/Ipratropium Solution)

A combination medication delivered via nebulizer, containing Albuterol (a SABA) and Ipratropium Bromide (a SAMA). Albuterol provides rapid bronchodilation via beta-2 agonism, while Ipratropium adds further bronchodilation by blocking muscarinic receptors. This combination is particularly effective in severe bronchospasm, such as in acute COPD exacerbations or severe asthma, providing synergistic effects.

Salmeterol (Serevent)

A long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that provides prolonged bronchodilation by selectively stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors. It is used for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD to prevent bronchospasm and improve lung function. Due to the risk of severe asthma exacerbations and fatalities, it is always contraindicated for monotherapy in asthma and must be paired with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

Formoterol (Foradil, Perforomist)

A long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that provides rapid and prolonged bronchodilation by selectively stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle. Unlike other LABAs, it has a rapid onset of action similar to SABAs, making it useful for both maintenance and as-needed relief (when part of a combined ICS/LABA regimen) in COPD and asthma. It is often nebulized for COPD maintenance.

Budesonide (Pulmicort)

An inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that acts locally to reduce airway inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the bronchi, improving lung function and reducing the frequency of asthma and COPD exacerbations. It is a cornerstone medication for maintenance therapy in persistent asthma and moderate to severe COPD, not for acute relief.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair)

A fixed-dose combination medication that includes an inhaled corticosteroid (Fluticasone) and a long-acting beta-2 agonist (Salmeterol). Fluticasone reduces airway inflammation, while Salmeterol provides long-acting bronchodilation. This combination is used for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD, providing dual benefits of anti-inflammatory action and sustained bronchodilation.

Tiotropium (Spiriva)

A long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that provides prolonged bronchodilation by blocking acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscles of the bronchi. It is primarily used as a once-daily maintenance treatment for bronchospasm associated with COPD to improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and decrease exacerbations. It is not indicated for acute relief.

Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst, NAC)

A mucolytic medication that works by breaking disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, thereby decreasing the viscosity of respiratory secretions and making them easier to clear. It is used to loosen thick mucus in conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. It can also be used as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

Racemic Epinephrine (VapoNefrin)

An alpha and beta adrenergic agonist. Its alpha-adrenergic effects cause vasoconstriction in the upper airway mucosa, reducing edema, while its beta-adrenergic effects cause bronchodilation. It has a rapid onset of action and is primarily used via nebulization to treat upper airway obstruction conditions such as croup, severe laryngotracheobronchitis, and post-extubation stridor.