Module 2 Medications Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering respiratory medications, antivirals, and corticosteroids including classifications, indications, and therapeutic ranges.

Albuterol Sulfate (Salbutamol, Ventolin)

A bronchodilator ($\beta$-Adrenergic agonist) used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and exercise-induced bronchospasm by opening breathing passages and relaxing muscles.

Ipratropium Bromide (Atrovent)

A bronchodilator used for COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema that relaxes muscles in the airways to increase airflow; usage is limited to no more than $12$ inhalations in $24$ hours.

Fluticasone/Salmeterol (Advair)

A combination of a steroid and long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) used in children $12$ years and older to decrease lung inflammation; users must rinse their mouth after inhaling to prevent candidiasis.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

An antiviral-neuraminidase inhibitor used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza viruses A (including pandemic H1N1) and B; it should be taken within $48$ hours of symptom onset.

Zanamivir (Relenza)

A neuraminidase inhibitor that stops the growth and spread of the flu virus in patients aged $7$ years and older who have been symptomatic for no more than $2$ days.

Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24)

A methylxanthine used for asthma or COPD with a narrow therapeutic level of $5\text{--}15\text{,}\text{mcg/mL}$; levels exceeding $20\text{,}\text{mcg/mL}$ are considered toxic.

Mucinex (guaifenesin)

A mucolytic/expectorant used in COPD that increases the water content of mucus to thin it out; patients are recommended to drink at least $8$ glasses of water per day.

Montelukast (Singular)

A leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) that blocks fatty signaling molecules to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced asthma; it should be taken once daily at bedtime.

Prednisone (Deltasone)

An oral corticosteroid used to control inflammation of joints and organs; it can cause increased blood sugar, immunosuppression, loss of bone density, and weight gain from fluid retention.

Cushing’s Syndrome

A condition resulting from corticosteroid use (such as Prednisone) for which nurses must monitor, characterized by specific physiological changes and often requiring monitoring of blood pressure and weight.

Inhalation Glucocorticosteroids (ICS)

Medications such as Budesonide and Beclomethasone used for COPD and persistent asthma; they require regular assessment of lung sounds and patient teaching to rinse the mouth to prevent oral thrush.

Theophylline Toxicity Signs

Manifestations occurring when levels exceed $20\text{,}\text{mcg/mL}$, including hyperglycemia, decreased clotting time, and increased WBC count.

Neuraminidase Inhibitor Mechanism

The inhibition of the neuraminidase enzyme expressed on the viral surface, which promotes the release of viruses from infected cells and facilitates movement within the respiratory tract.

Leukotrienes

Fatty signaling molecules used by the body during inflammation and allergic reactions, the action of which is blocked by LTRAs like Montelukast.