Respiratory Drug Categories – Detailed VTNE/Penn Foster Study Notes

Flashcards covering respiratory pharmacology including expectorants, mucolytics, antitussives, bronchodilators, decongestants, antihistamines, and corticosteroids for VTNE prep.

Guaifenesin

An expectorant used to loosen mucus and improve mucus clearance; it also serves as a muscle relaxant in horses for equine anesthesia.

Iodide Preparations

Expectorants that increase respiratory secretions to thin mucus; side effects include iodism, fever, and salivation.

Hypertonic Saline

A substance used in nebulization therapy to hydrate mucus; often characterized by airway irritation and followed by coupage.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic that breaks apart thick mucus to reduce viscosity; it also acts as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity.

Butorphanol

A common veterinary antitussive that suppresses coughing by depressing the cough center; side effects include sedation and respiratory depression.

Hydrocodone

A controlled substance antitussive used for severe coughs that provides strong cough suppression.

Codeine

An opioid medication that functions as both an analgesic and an antitussive by suppressing the cough reflex.

Dextromethorphan

A nonopioid antitussive used for the suppression of dry coughs.

Temaril-P

A combination medication containing trimeprazine and prednisolone used for allergic coughs and pruritus.

Atropine

An anticholinergic bronchodilator that relaxes airway smooth muscle; side effects include tachycardia and dry mouth.

Aminopentamide

An anticholinergic drug used as a bronchodilator and GI antispasmodic to reduce bronchoconstriction.

Glycopyrrolate

An anticholinergic used for bronchodilation and to reduce secretions; it is longer acting than atropine.

Ipratropium

A common inhaled bronchodilator therapy that relaxes the bronchioles.

Beta2-Agonists

A class of drugs used for asthma and bronchospasm that includes albuterol and terbutaline; side effects include tremors and tachycardia.

Methylxanthines

Bronchodilators that cause smooth muscle relaxation; they have a narrow therapeutic index.

Decongestants

Drugs that reduce nasal swelling and improve airflow; they should be used cautiously in cardiac patients due to risks of hypertension and excitability.

Pyrilamine

A common antihistamine used for the treatment of allergies.

Tripelennamine

An antihistamine used for allergic reactions that exhibits anticholinergic effects like dry mouth.

Diphenhydramine

A common veterinary antihistamine used for allergies and motion sickness; frequently causes sedation.

Hydroxyzine

A common dermatology medication used to treat pruritus and allergies by blocking histamine.

Cyproheptadine

An antihistamine used in cats for allergies or as an appetite stimulant.

Prednisolone Sodium Succinate

An injectable corticosteroid used in emergency situations for rapid anti-inflammatory effects.

Prednisolone

An anti-inflammatory steroid that is preferred over prednisone in cats; common side effects include polyphagia and PU/PD.

Prednisone

A common oral anti-inflammatory steroid; common side effects include panting and PU/PD.

Dexamethasone

A very potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid; side effects may include GI ulcers and immunosuppression.

Beclomethasone

An inhaled corticosteroid used to reduce airway inflammation with fewer systemic effects.

Fluticasone

A common inhaled steroid used as therapy for feline asthma to control airway inflammation.

Triamcinolone

A longer acting corticosteroid used to suppress inflammation.

Productive Cough Management

A high-yield reminder that productive coughs generally should not be suppressed.