Respiratory Medications

Question 1

Open narrowed airways or dilate the bronchus

Answer 1

Bronchodilators

Question 2

Examples of Sympathomimetics

Answer 2

Albuterol (Ventolin)
Terbutaline (Bricanyl)

Question 3

Examples of Xanthine-Derivatives

Answer 3

Aminophylline
Epinephrine
Theophylline

Question 4

Sympathomimetics: Beta-adrenergic agonist

Side effects

Answer 4

Tremor
Tachycardia
Palpitations

Question 4

Relaxes smooth muscles of all airways

Best administered as inhalants

Answer 4

Sympathomimetics: Beta-adrenergic agonist

Albuterol (Ventolin)

Question 5

Bind to acetylcholine receptors and result in bronchodilation (of mostly larger airways)

Reduces sputum production

Answer 5

Anti-cholinergic
1. Ipatropium bromide (Atrovent)

Question 6

Weak bronchodilator

Delays respiratory muscle fatigue

Answer 6

Methylxanthines or Xanthine-Derivatives

Question 7

Reduced trapped lung gas

Improves respiratory muscle mechanics

Answer 7

methylxanthines or Xanthine-Derivatives

Question 8

Relax and open airways

Improve the diaphragm’s ability to contract

Increase the clearance of mucus

Answer 8

Theophylline

Question 9

Theophylline Side effects

Answer 9

Nervousness
Tremors or nausea

Question 10

Theophylline

Therapeutic range:
Toxic range:

Answer 10

Theophylline

Therapeutic range: 10-20mcg/ml
Toxic range: 80-100mcg/ml

Question 11

Theophylline signs of toxicity

Answer 11

Vomiting
Agitation
Apical pulse of 200bpm

Question 12

Reduce airway inflammation

Efficacy and role in stable COPD

Answer 12

Corticosteroids

Question 13

Loosen secretions in respiratory tract by altering the viscosity of sputum

Answer 13

Mucolytics

Question 14

Mucolytic examples

Answer 14

Mucomyst (Acetylcysteine)

Question 14

Drugs that block or suppress the cough reflex

Used for respiratory disorders, non-productive, irritating cough

Answer 14

Antitussives

Question 15

Antitussive examples

Answer 15

Codeine
Dextromethorphan
Benzonatate

Question 16

Drugs that liquefy secretions or decrease viscosity of secretions

Often in combination with antihistamines and decongestants

Answer 16

Expectorants

Question 17

Expectorant examples

Answer 17

Guaifenesin

Question 18

Relieve allergy symptoms

H1 blockers = block histamine

Answer 18

Antihistamine

Question 19

Antihistamine examples

Answer 19

Diphenhydramine