Rau’s Respiratory Care Pharmacology — Final Exam Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and medications from respiratory care pharmacology, including drug actions, indications, side effects, and classifications.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME).

Pharmacodynamics

The study of drug–receptor interaction and the drug’s effect on the body.

Agonists

Drugs that activate receptors.

Antagonists

Drugs that block receptors.

Acetylcysteine

Medication used for thick secretions and mucus plugging.

Albuterol

A bronchodilator used for bronchospasm in asthma and COPD.

Atropine

Medication used for bronchodilation and drying secretions.

Budesonide

A corticosteroid for chronic inflammation control in asthma.

Dornase Alfa

A medication that thins mucus in Cystic Fibrosis.

Epinephrine

Medication used for stridor, croup, and upper airway swelling.

Hypertonic Saline

Used to mobilize secretions, especially in CF and mucus plugging.

Side Effects of Albuterol

Tachycardia, tremor, anxiety.

Beta-2 Receptors

Receptors activated by drugs like Albuterol and Epinephrine.

Systemic Medications

Medications that have a whole-body effect, often with more side effects.

Duoneb

A combination medication that provides greater bronchodilation for COPD exacerbations.

Anticholinergic

Drugs that block Acetylcholine, leading to bronchodilation.

Short-Acting Beta Agonist (SABA)

Rescue medication such as Albuterol, lasting 4-6 hours.

Long-Acting Beta Agonist (LABA)

Maintenance medication like Salmeterol, lasting approximately 12 hours.

Corticosteroids

Medications that decrease airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.

Mucolytics

Drugs like Acetylcysteine that break down mucus.

Bronchodilation

The process of widening air passages in the respiratory tract.

Nebulizer Particle Size

Optimal size for airway deposition is 1-5 microns.

Chronic Bronchitis

A disease related to excess mucus.

Endogenous Drugs

Drugs produced by the body.

Exogenous Drugs

Drugs administered from outside the body.

Chemical Name

The scientific composition of a drug.

Caffeine

A methylxanthine used for apnea of prematurity.

Primary Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine for the parasympathetic and Epinephrine/Norepinephrine for the sympathetic systems.

What is Drug Absorption?

The process by which a drug moves from its site of administration into the systemic circulation.

What is Drug Distribution?

The reversible transfer of a drug from one location to another within the body.

What is Drug Metabolism?

The process by which the body chemically alters drugs, primarily in the