Respiratory Drugs Flashcards
(40 cards)
Some etiologies of respiratory disease
-allergy -aspiration -bacteria -congenital defects -fungi -immunologic -neoplasia -neurologic conditions -parasites -trauma -viruses
3 respiratory defense mechanisms
1.Nasal cavity 2.Protective reflexes 3.Mucociliary clearance
3 principles of respiratory therapy
- control secretions 2.control of reflexes 3.maintain normal airflow to alveoli
Explain how we can control secretions
- decrease production or increase eliminations
-remove cause of secretions
-make secretions less viscid
explain how we can control reflexes
-suppress cough if non-productive
-control sneezing
-control bronchospasms
Explain how we can maintain normal airflow to alveoli
-reverse bronchoconstriction
-remove edema or mucus from alveoli or air passages
-provide oxygen therapy
What is aerosolization (nebulization)?
allows delivery of drugs at high concentrations directly to airways w/ minimal blood levels
Distribution of nebulized drug is affected by what factors?
size of inhaled particles must be 1-5 microns, smaller exhaled ; larger remain in URT
8 categories of respiratory drugs
-expectorants - mucolytics - antitussives -bronchodilators - decongestants - antihistamines -corticosteriods - misc. drugs
What is an expectorant drug?
drugs that liquefy and dilute viscous respiratory secretions. USED W/ PRODUCTIVE COUGHS ONLY
What drug is found in the expectorants category
Guaifenesin (Glyceryl Guaicacolate)
-Found in cough medicine
-Used in horses as part of general anesthetic protocol
-Adverse effects: nausea, drowsiness
what is a mucolytic?
a drug that breaks down chemical structure of mucus so viscosity decreases
What drug is in the mucolytics category?
acetylcysteine (Mucomyst, Sputolysin)
-nebulization used for respiratory tx
-oral/iv form used for acetaminophen toxicity
What is an antitussive?
a drug that inhibits or suppress coughing
How do antitussives work
-only used for suppression of non-productive cough
-can be centrally or peripheral in action
-central acting drugs suppress cough center in brain
-peripheral acting drugs depress cough receptors in airways (cough drops or lozenges); not practical in vet med
What drugs are in the centrally acting antitussive group?
butorphanol tartrate, hydrocodone bitartrate, codeine, dextromethorphan, temaril-P
What is butorphanol tartrate
-opioid, CIV
-also used as PA and analgesic
-side effects: sedation and ataxia
What is hydrocodone bitartrate
opioid, CII
side effects: sedation, constipation, GI upset
What is codeine
-opioid, CV, or III or II (depending on amount)
-side effects: sedation and constipation
What is dextromethorphan in Dimetapp, Robitussin
-non-narcotic but chemically similar to codeine
-no analgesia or addictive properties
-side effects: drowsiness and GI upset
What is temaril-P
-trimeprazine tartrate (antitussive) and prednisolone ( a corticosteroid)
-side effects: sedation, depression, hypotension, minor CNS signs
What effect of PNS stimulation in the respiratory system?
bronchoconstriction and increased secretions
What is the effect of SNS stimulation in the respiratory system
bronchodilation, decreased secretions
_ may occur through the following 3 mechanisms:
1.Release of Ash at PNS nerve endings or inhibition of Achase
2.Stimulation of H1 histamine receptors
3.Blockade of beta-2 adrenergic receptors
bronchoconstriction
