Respiratory Meds

epinephrine classification

sympathomimetic (non selective), bronchodilator

epinephrine action

stimulates alpha, beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. alpha 1 mediates vasoconstriction to reduce mucosal edema. beta 1 stimulates heart rate and force of contraction as well as cardiac irritability. beta 2 induces bronchial smooth muscle relaxation

epinephrine adr

tachycardia, palpitation, headache, tremor, insomnia, nervousness, fear, dyspnea

epinephrine special info

caution with coronary artery disease, hypertension and hyperthyroidism. if MAO inhibitors used concurrently, will precipitate severe hypertension

isoproterenol classification

sympathomimetic (non selective beta stim drug), bronchodilator

isoproterenol action

stimulates both beta 1 receptors (which stimulate heart) and beta 2 receptors (which cause bronchodilation and decrease tone and motility of the gi tract and uterus)

isoproterenol adr

tachycardia and palpitation, headache, nausea, tremor, insomnia. the more it is used the less effective it may be

isoproterenol special info

is one of the most powerful bronchodilators

albuterol classification

bronchodilator, sympathomimetic (selective beta2 stim)

albuterol action

beta 2 stimulation, causing relaxation of smooth muscles of bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature. does have some beta 1 action in high doses

albuterol adr

few. peripheral dilation can cause decreased blood pressure which leads to tachycardia. also tremors, nervousness, palpitations, dizziness, headache

albuterol special info

an inhaled short acting beta 2 agonist or SABA. lasts longer than epinephrine but onset is slightly slower. use with caution with diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorders (especially arrhythmias). long acting beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists are called LABAs

aminophylline classification

bronchodilator, methylated xanthine

aminophylline action

inhibits phosphodiesterase which allows for increased cAMP- leads to relaxation of smooth muscle (especially bronchial), stimulates heart, stimulates CNS and renal excretion. stimulates medullary respiratory center

aminophylline adr

gi- anorexia, n/v, abdominal discomfort

cns- nervousness, insomnia, irritability, headache, severe convulsions and coma

cv- tachycardia, severe- hypotension and arrhythmias

renal- urinary frequency

aminophylline special info

1. half life in smoker is shorter than non smokers

2. take with food to decrease gi irritability

ipratropium classification

anticholinergic bronchodilator, an inhaled short acting muscarinic antagonist (SAAMA)

ipratropium action

blocks cholinergic receptors, reducing bronchial tone. (does not seem to affect volume or viscosity of sputum)

ipratropium adr

few, dry mouth, pharyngeal irritation

ipratropium special info

1. combivent

2. spiriva, turdoza- same class