Respiratory medications Flashcards
(23 cards)
meds for obstructive lung disease
- bronchodilators
- corticosteroids
- combination meds
- other
*meds can be administered via MDI, nebulizer, or pill form (depending on med)
MDI=metered dose inhaler
bronchodilators
= substance that dilates the bronchi or bronchioles decreasing resistance in respiratory airway and increasing airflow to lungs.
short acting
long acting
anticholinergics
methylxanthines
SABA
short acting beta 2 agonists
bronchodilators
how SABAs work
- beta stimulation of the airways promotes bronchodilation
- relax and open airways quickly!
- increase movement of the cilia to help clear mucus
- help to prevent exercise-induced wheezing
- rescue inhaler!!
possible side effects/precautions of SABA
- trembling, nervousness
- insomnia
- fast HR, increased BP
- why? beta stimulation in the heart increases HR/BP
- pt should take this medication first before other long acting meds
SABA examples
ALBUTEROL: (pro-air, proventil, ventolin)
LEVALBUTEROL: (xopenex)
*pts who are sensitive to albuterol might do better with xopenex- may have fewer cardiac side effects
LABA
=long acting beta-2 agonists
bronchodilators
how LABAs work
- same idea as SABA med
- relax and open airways, takes longer to work, but lasts longer
- increase movement of the cilia to help clear mucus
- help to prevent exercise-induced wheezing
possible side effects/precautions of LABA
- trembling, nervousness
- fast HR or increased BP
- headache
-not used for quick relief
-patient should not use these more than is prescribed
(typically 1-2 puffs, 1-2x daily)
examples of LABAs
FORMOTEROL (foradil)
SALMETEROL (serevent)
how anticholinergics work
- cholinergic stimulation enhances bronchoconstriction, so anticholinergics promote bronchodilation
- relax and open airways
- take effect more slowly than short acting Beta-2 agonists but effects last longer
possible side effects/precautions anticholinergics
- nervousness, dizziness
- drowsiness, headache
- upset stomach
- constipation, dry mouth
-not used an rescue inhaler
examples of anticholinergics
IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE (atrovent) TIOTROPIUM BROMIDE (spiriva)
other medications
SDE-4: prevent flare ups
methylxanthine: need to regulate carefully- supposed to stim diaphragm
how corticosteroids work
- reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways
- reduce mucus production
- decrease sensitivity of airways to irritants/allergens
side effects and precautions of corticosteroids
- fewer side effects with inhaled steroids vs pills
- pt needs to rinse their mouth after using a steroid inhaler
- need to taper down if on a high dose- can’t stop abruptly
- these are not rescue meds!! considered more of a controller medication
- side effects: weight gain, nervousness, insomnia, osteoporosis, HTN, high blood sugars
inhaled and pill form
*typical in asthma to need a “controller” med along with a bronchodilator
combination medications
combo steroid and LABA - still need to rinse mouth
combivent =LABA and SABA together- can use as rescue
nebulizers
liquid medication is administered with the nebulizer machine
-saline is added to the machine with medication and patient inhales the med as a mist
MDI
=metered dose inhaler
what do patient’s use spacers for MDI’s?
the patient will get a higher percentage of the medication into their lungs if they use a spacer
meds for pulmonary HTN
work to relax and dilate the pulmonary arteries
-can be in pill form, injections or infusions
some typical meds:
- revatio (viagra)
- adcirca (cialis)
- flolan
- remodulin
*pts may be embarrassed about being on these meds so be careful!
side effects of meds for pulmonary HTN
-headache, indigestion, muscle ache, flushing
Hypotension: not necessarily symptomatic
PFT
pulmonary function test
spirometry
plethysmography
