Respiratory Pharmacology & Related Concepts

These vocabulary flashcards summarize the key drugs, devices, conditions, and patient-education points discussed in the respiratory pharmacology lecture.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Progressive airway disorder that combines chronic bronchitis and emphysema, usually caused by cigarette smoking.

Chronic Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes leading to chronic mucus production and a persistent wet cough.

Emphysema

Destruction of alveolar walls that reduces gas-exchange surface area and causes shortness of breath.

Hypoxia

Insufficient oxygen supply to body tissues.

Oxygen Therapy

Administration of supplemental O₂ (via cannula, mask, hood, etc.) to correct hypoxia; excessive concentrations may cause hypoventilation.

Hypoventilation

Inadequate ventilation that fails to meet the body’s CO₂ removal needs; may occur with high O₂ concentrations.

Endotracheal Intubation

Placement of a tube into the trachea to maintain an airway and deliver oxygen or ventilation.

Nasal Cannula

Low-flow device that delivers supplemental oxygen through prongs placed in the nares.

Bronchodilator

Drug that relaxes smooth muscle in the bronchial tree to relieve bronchospasm and decrease work of breathing.

Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Pressurized canister that delivers a measured dose of aerosolized medication when the valve is depressed.

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)

Breath-activated device that delivers powdered medication via patient’s inspiratory effort.

Small Volume Nebulizer (SVN)

Machine that converts liquid medication into an aerosol mist for inhalation through a mouthpiece or mask.

Respiratory Stimulant

Agent (e.g., caffeine citrate) that stimulates breathing, especially in neonatal apnea.

Caffeine Citrate

Xanthine derivative used intravenously or orally to treat apnea of prematurity.

Theophylline

Xanthine bronchodilator reserved for COPD patients unresponsive to inhaled long-acting agents; requires serum-level monitoring.

Sympathomimetic (Adrenergic) Agent

Drug that mimics sympathetic nervous activity—e.g., β₂ agonists used for asthma relief.

Short-Acting Beta Agonist (SABA)

Rapid-onset β₂-adrenergic bronchodilator (e.g., albuterol) used for acute asthma exacerbations.

Albuterol

Prototype SABA rescue inhaler that reverses bronchospasm; overuse signals poor asthma control.

Rescue Inhaler

Fast-acting inhaled medication (usually albuterol) taken PRN for acute respiratory distress.

Long-Acting Beta Agonist (LABA)

Maintenance β₂-agonist used for long-term bronchospasm prevention; not for acute relief.

Anticholinergic (Parasympatholytic)

Drug that blocks muscarinic receptors to produce bronchodilation; example: tiotropium.

Tiotropium (Spiriva)

Once-daily inhaled anticholinergic for maintenance treatment of COPD bronchospasm.

Xanthine

Bronchodilating class (e.g., theophylline) that relaxes airway smooth muscle and pulmonary vessels.

Corticosteroid

Synthetic anti-inflammatory hormone used to reduce airway swelling and hyper-responsiveness.

Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)

Long-term prophylactic asthma therapy; patients must rinse mouth after use to prevent oral thrush.

Oral Thrush

Candidal (yeast) infection of the mouth that can occur after ICS use without proper rinsing.

Leukotriene Inhibitor

Drug class that blocks leukotriene-mediated inflammation in asthma prophylaxis.

Montelukast (Singulair)

Oral leukotriene receptor antagonist used for prevention and chronic treatment of asthma.

Mast Cell Stabilizer

Agent (e.g., cromolyn) that prevents mast-cell degranulation and is used prophylactically for asthma.

Cromolyn

Inhaled mast-cell stabilizer for preventive asthma therapy; not effective for acute attacks.

Mucolytic

Medication that decreases mucus viscosity, making secretions easier to clear.

Expectorant

Drug that increases respiratory tract fluid to promote productive cough.

Guaifenesin (Mucinex)

Common OTC expectorant; effectiveness requires adequate daily fluid intake.

Antitussive

Medication that suppresses the cough reflex.

Codeine

Opioid antitussive effective for severe cough but may cause respiratory depression.

Dextromethorphan

Non-narcotic antitussive that lacks respiratory-depressant and dependence potential.

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles)

Peripherally acting antitussive that anesthetizes stretch receptors in the respiratory tract.

Antihistamine

Drug that blocks H₁ receptors to reduce allergic symptoms such as itching, edema, and secretions.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

First-generation antihistamine also used as a sleep aid, antiemetic, and antitussive; causes sedation and drying effects.

First-Generation Antihistamine

Older H₁ blockers (e.g., diphenhydramine) that readily cross the blood-brain barrier and cause significant sedation.

Second-Generation Antihistamine

Newer H₁ blockers (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) with minimal sedation and longer duration.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Second-generation antihistamine commonly used for allergic rashes and pediatric allergy relief.

Loratadine (Claritin)

Non-sedating second-generation antihistamine used for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Long-acting second-generation antihistamine indicated for allergy symptom control without drowsiness.

Decongestant

Adrenergic vasoconstrictor that shrinks nasal mucosa to relieve congestion; may elevate blood pressure.

Rebound Congestion

Worsening nasal stuffiness that occurs with prolonged decongestant use; limit topical use to ~3 days.

Smoking Cessation Aid

Pharmacologic or behavioral tool designed to help patients stop using tobacco.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Gum, lozenge, patch, inhaler, or nasal spray that supplies controlled nicotine doses to ease withdrawal.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Atypical antidepressant prescribed to reduce nicotine cravings and assist smoking cessation.

Varenicline (Chantix)

Partial nicotine receptor agonist/antagonist that decreases cravings; has been linked to mood changes.

Electronic Cigarette (E-cig / Vape)

Device that vaporizes a nicotine-containing solution; alternative to traditional smoking with uncertain long-term safety.