kopp part 1 -10/31 pharmacology Notes

These flashcards cover important concepts from the respiratory therapy lecture including pharmacology, types of medications, and practical skills in the clinical setting.

Pharmacokinetics

What the body does to the drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Pharmacodynamics

What the drug does to the body, focusing on the effects and mechanisms of action.

Short Acting Beta Agonists (SABAs)

Bronchodilators like albuterol that provide quick relief for asthma attacks but have a shorter duration of action.

Long Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs)

Bronchodilators such as salmeterol that have a prolonged effect and are used for maintenance therapy.

Anticholinergics

Drugs that block acetylcholine, preventing bronchoconstriction; examples include ipratropium (Atrovent) and tiotropium (Spiriva).

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications used in respiratory therapy, such as budesonide and fluticasone, which help reduce airway inflammation.

ABG

Arterial Blood Gas; a test used to assess gas exchange and the pH of arterial blood.

Albuterol

A commonly used short-acting beta agonist (SABA) for the treatment of asthma and COPD.

Zopanex

Levalbuterol; a short-acting beta agonist that is more selective and has less cardiovascular side effects than albuterol.

DuoNeb

A nebulized combination treatment of albuterol and ipratropium.

Combivent

A metered dose inhaler combination of albuterol and ipratropium.

Status Asthmaticus

A severe asthma exacerbation that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments and requires continuous therapy.

Epinephrine

A drug used in emergencies to stimulate the heart and cause bronchodilation, often used during anaphylactic reactions.

Nebulizer

A device used to convert liquid medication into a mist for inhalation, often used in respiratory therapy.

Potassium Levels

Electrolytes that must be monitored in patients receiving continuous albuterol due to potential drops caused by the medication.

Ventilator Patients

Patients on machines that support or take over breathing, frequently used with nebulized treatments for medication delivery.