RESPIRATORY SYSTEM MEDICATIONS RESPIRATORY SYSTEM MEDS

Bronchodilators - Antileukotriene Leukotriene Receptor Antogonists

Common Examples: Montelukast (Singulair), Zafirlukast (Accolate)

COMMON USES
Prophylactic and long-term treatment of asthma in adults and children over the age of 12.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW AS A BRAND NEW NURSE

* Not indicated for acute episodes, improvement usually seen after one week of administration. * Monitor liver enzymes, can be hepatotoxic. * Common adverse effects include: HA, dizziness, GI complaints and insomnia. No known life-threatening adverse effects. * Most adverse effects are transient. Commonly occurring adverse effects include: muscle tremors, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and tachycardia. * Do not use other bronchodilators or OTC medications with Terbutaline, as they may cause additive cardiovascular effects.

Bronchodilators Beta Adrenergic Agonists

Common Examples: Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), Terbutaline Sulfate (Brethine), Salmeterol (Serevent), Tiotropium (Spiriva)

Indicated for acute exacerbations of asthma, relief of bronchoconstriction due to bronchitis and emphysema and long-term control of chronic airway disease.

Bronchodilators Anticholinergics
Common Examples: Ipratropium (Atrovent)

Bronchodilators Xanthine Derivatives

Common Examples: Theophylline (Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur)

Indicated for the long-term management of bronchoconstriction and bronchspasms associated with chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD and emphysema. Indicated for the management of mild to moderate cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and COPD. No longer used as a first-line mdication

* Is not indicated for acute episodes due to its delayed onset. * Common adverse effects include: dry mouth, nasal congestion, heart palpitations, GI complaints, HA and anxiety.

* Therapeutic blood level: 10-20 mcg/ml. * Patients should avoid caffeine, as it is a metabolite of theophylline. *Contraindicated with known seizure disorder * Common adverse effects include GI complaints and anorexia, other adverse effects: tremors, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, tachycardia, angina, hypotension.

Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids) Inhaled

Common Examples: Budesonide (Pulmicort, Rhinocort), Fluticasone (Flonase)

Prophylaxis and management of asthma, and allergic rhinitis.

*Inhalation forms have minimal systemic effects. * Common adverse effects include: oral and nasal irritation, HA, increased susceptibility to infections and GI complaints.

Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids) Systemic

Common Examples: Prednisone (Deltasone), Methlyprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)

Indicated for COPD and acute exacerbations of asthma.

* Common adverse effects include: insomnia, nervousness, HA, increased susceptibility to infections and GI complaints. * May cause delayed growth and development in children. * Monitor for adrenal insufficiency. * Adverse effects include, HA, vertigo, GI complaints, hepatotoxic, red-brown discoloration to sweat, urine and sputum. * Vitamin B6 deficiency seen with administration of INH, supplement with Vit B6 50mg/day. * Alcohol contraindicated

Anti-Tuberculin
Common Examples: Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (Rifadin)

Indicated for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis (TB).