Pharmacology in Respiratory Care Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in pharmacology relevant to respiratory care, focusing on drug categories, their functions, and important clinical applications.

Bronchodilators

Medications that help relieve bronchoconstriction by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the airways.

Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists

A class of bronchodilators used for immediate relief (short-acting) or long-term control (long-acting) of bronchospasms.

Anticholinergic Bronchodilators

Medications that block acetylcholine to prevent bronchoconstriction, commonly used for COPD.

Methylxanthines

A class of drugs that increase cyclic AMP levels to promote bronchodilation but are less commonly used due to side effects.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory agents used to reduce airway inflammation in asthma and COPD management.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Drugs that block leukotrienes to reduce inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Mucolytics

Agents that help break down and thin mucus to improve clearance, used for conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Pulmonary Vasodilators

Medications used for pulmonary hypertension to improve blood flow in the lungs.

Diuretics

Medications that increase urine production, primarily used to treat fluid overload such as congestive heart failure.

Endotracheal Instillation

A method of administering medications directly into the trachea through an endotracheal tube, used in emergencies.

NAVEL Mnemonic

A mnemonic to remember medications that can be given via ET tube: Naloxone, Atropine, Vasopressin, Epinephrine, Lidocaine.

Opioid Overdose

Occurs when a patient takes too much opioid, leading to respiratory depression; Naloxone is used as the antidote.

Xanthine Drugs

A class of drugs that increase cAMP levels leading to bronchodilation, examples include theophylline and caffeine.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Medications used for paralysis during intubation and ventilation; they do not provide sedation or pain relief.

Depolarizing NMBA

Agents such as succinylcholine used for rapid sequence intubation with rapid onset but contraindicated in certain conditions.

Non-Depolarizing NMBA

Agents like rocuronium, vecuronium, and pancuronium used for long-term paralysis, reversible with specific agents.