Drugs affecting the Respiratory System

What are the two main airflow disorders?

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD

Why is it important to document the location of wheezing?

To identify which part of the lungs is affected.

What is albuterol used for?

It's a short-acting rescue inhaler used before exercise; monitor heart rate.

How is formoterol different from albuterol?

It's a long-acting inhaler used every 12 hours and not for rescue

What are the side effects of terbutaline?

Tachycardia, angina, and tremors (which may decrease with use); avoid caffeine.

What should be done before and after administering a beta2 agonist?

Listen to the lungs to assess effectiveness.

What is the therapeutic range for theophylline?

10–20 mcg/mL

Why is blood monitoring necessary with theophylline?

It has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause toxicity.

What are common side effects of theophylline?

GI distress and bronchi muscle relaxation.

What are ipratropium and tiotropium used for?

They are used in COPD to open airways.

Why should albuterol be given before ipratropium?

To allow better absorption; wait 5 minutes between inhalers

What are common side effects of inhaled anticholinergics?

Dry mouth and risk of thrush.

How can thrush be prevented after inhaler use?

Rinse the mouth after each use.

Are glucocorticoids rescue inhalers?

No, they are not used for immediate relief.

What is the function of glucocorticoids in respiratory care?

They reduce lung inflammation and edema

Name three glucocorticoids commonly used.

Beclomethasone, prednisone, methylprednisolone

When should montelukast be taken?

At bedtime or 2 hours before exercise.

Is montelukast safe for children?

Yes, for children as young as one year.

What organ can be affected by leukotriene modifiers?

The liver.

What are four common upper respiratory conditions?

Allergic rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis

Name two opioid antitussives.

Codeine and hydrocodone

What are three non-opioid antitussives?

Dextromethorphan, benzonatate, and diphenhydramine.

What is a shared side effect of non-opioid antitussives?

Sedation; avoid activities requiring alertness.

What is the purpose of guaifenesin?

It increases coughing to help expel mucus; may be used in COPD.

What is acetylcysteine used for?

To thin secretions, especially in children with cystic fibrosis

Why might acetylcysteine be mixed with orange juice?

To mask its unpleasant smell (like rotten eggs).

What are common decongestants?

Phenylephrine, ephedrine, naphazoline, and pseudoephedrine.

Why is pseudoephedrine hard to obtain?

It is a precursor in methamphetamine production.

Why should nasal decongestants be used for no more than 5 days?

To avoid rebound congestion and dependency.

What are examples of 1st generation antihistamines?

Diphenhydramine, promethazine, and dimenhydrinate.

What is a major side effect of 1st generation antihistamines?

Sedation and potential respiratory distress.

What are examples of 2nd generation antihistamines?

Loratadine and cetirizine

What is the key difference between 1st and 2nd generation antihistamines?

2nd generation antihistamines do not cause sedation

Why should loratadine not be given to children under 2?

Due to safety concerns and potential side effects.

What are two intranasal antihistamines?

Azelastine and olopatadine.

What are four nasal glucocorticoids?

Mometasone, fluticasone, triamcinolone, and budesonide.