26–37 Respiratory System

Salbutamol (Albuterol) D

Short-Acting β₂ Adrenergic Agonist (SABA)

Salbutamol (Albuterol) R

Acute Bronchospasm in Asthma/COPD

Salbutamol (Albuterol) U

Tachycardia

Salbutamol (Albuterol) G

Assess respiratory status before and after administration

Salbutamol (Albuterol) M

Rescue inhaler. Tremors and mild tachycardia are common after inhalation.

Terbutaline D

β₂-Adrenergic Agonist

Terbutaline R

Bronchospasm

Terbutaline U

Tachycardia

Terbutaline G

Monitor heart rate and respiratory status

Terbutaline M

Can also be used as a tocolytic in selected obstetric case

Ipratropium D

Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (SAMA)

Ipratropium R

Bronchospasm in COPD

Ipratropium U

Dry Mouth

Ipratropium G

Assess breath sounds and respiratory effort

Ipratropium M

Often combined with salbutamol for greater bronchodilation.

Tiotropium D

Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist (LAMA)

Tiotropium R

Maintenance Therapy for COPD

Tiotropium U

Dry Mouth

Tiotropium G

Teach correct inhaler technique

Tiotropium M

Maintenance medication— not for acute asthma attacks

Budesonide D

Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)

Budesonide R

Long-term Asthma Control Oral

Budesonide U

Candidiasis

Budesonide G

Instruct patient to rinse mouth after each use

Budesonide M

Controller medication—not a rescue inhaler.

Fluticasone D

Inhaled Corticosteroid (ICS)

Fluticasone R

Persistent Asthma

Fluticasone U

Oral Candidiasis

Fluticasone G

Rinse mouth after inhalation

Fluticasone M

Proper inhaler technique improves drug delivery.

Montelukast D

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist

Montelukast R

Asthma Prophylaxis / Allergic Rhinitis

Montelukast U

Neuropsychiatric Reactions

Montelukast G

Monitor for mood or behavior changes

Montelukast M

Usually taken once daily in the evening.

Theophylline D

Methylxanthine Bronchodilator

Theophylline R

Chronic Asthma/COPD

Theophylline U

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Theophylline G

Monitor serum drug levels when indicated

Theophylline M

Narrow therapeutic index— small dose changes can lead to toxicity.

Dextromethorphan D

Centrally Acting Antitussive

Dextromethorphan R

Nonproductive (Dry) Cough

Dextromethorphan U

Drowsiness

Dextromethorphan G

Assess cough characteristics before administration

Dextromethorphan M

Do not routinely suppress a productive cough unless clinically indicated.

Guaifenesin D

Expectorant

Guaifenesin R

Productive Cough

Guaifenesin U

Gastrointestinal Upset

Guaifenesin G

Encourage increased fluid intake

Guaifenesin M

Hydration enhances the effectiveness of the medication.

Cetirizine D

Second-Generation H1 Antihistamine

Cetirizine R

Allergic Rhinitis / Urticaria

Cetirizine U

Drowsiness (less common)

Cetirizine G

Advise caution when driving until response is known

Cetirizine M

Less sedating than first generation antihistamines.

Loratadine D

Second-Generation H1

Loratadine R

Antihistamine Allergic Rhinitis

Loratadine U

Headache

Loratadine G

Assess relief of allergy symptoms

Loratadine M

Usually considered non-sedating at recommended doses.