NUR 0302-388>Respiratory Drug Therapy Update
Adelphi University
Respiratory Drugs
▪ Ipratropium
What is Asthma?
➢ Characteristics: Bronchoconstriction Client Teaching of Asthma Medication
and
Inflammation • Bronchodilators
• This is caused by mast cells releasing o Beta-2 Agonists
substances in response to causative ▪ Albuterol/Terbutaline
stimuli. o Theophylline/Aminophylline
o Bronchoconstriction narrows airways, o Inhaled Anticholinergics
and sphincter action can completely
occlude airways.
▪ This is further aggravated by
inflammation, mucosal edema, and
excessive mucous production.
➢ Symptoms: Dyspnea, wheezing, chest
tightness, cough, and sputum production
Overview of Drugs for Asthma
➢ There are two main pharmacologic classes used
to treat asthma.
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
o Glucocorticoids
o Cromolyn
o Montelukast (Singulair)
, NUR 0302-388>Respiratory Drug Therapy Update
➢ Take medication as directed.
➢ Do not discontinue without consulting a
medical professional.
➢ When using corticosteroids and
bronchodilators, use bronchodilators first
and follow 5 minutes later with
corticosteroids.
➢ Rinse and spit with water after inhalation
therapy of glucocorticoids to prevent oral
fungal infections.
➢ Interval of at least 1 minute between
puffs to separate the puff.
➢ Use a tight fitting mask in infants and
small children.
Corticosteroids/Glucocorticoids
➢ These are the most effective drugs to
treat asthma.
• This is First-Line Drug Therapy.
➢ Mechanisms: Suppresses Inflammation
1. Synthesis and release of
inflammatory mediators
o Leukotrienes, Histamine, Prostaglandins
2. Infiltration and activity of inflammatory
ells
3. Edema of the airway mucosa
➢ These drugs are usually administered by
Inhalation, Nasally, Orally, and
Intravenously.
• Inhalation: All patients with moderate
to severe asthma should use these drugs
daily.
• PO and IV: The administration routes
are only reserved for severe asthma
patients.
➢ These drugs are used for preventive therapy.
• They are not used to abort an
ongoing attack.
• They are prescribed on a regular
schedule, not as needed (PRN).
➢ Side Effects: There are several effects that
you should know about the use of this
drug.
• Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
• Dysphonia
• Adrenal Suppression (Long-Term)
• Bone Loss (Post-Menopausal Females)
• Slowed Growth of Children (Long-Term)
• Peptic Ulcers and Infection
• Myopathy (Evidenced by Myalgia)
• Potassium Loss and Sodium Retention
Adelphi University
Respiratory Drugs
▪ Ipratropium
What is Asthma?
➢ Characteristics: Bronchoconstriction Client Teaching of Asthma Medication
and
Inflammation • Bronchodilators
• This is caused by mast cells releasing o Beta-2 Agonists
substances in response to causative ▪ Albuterol/Terbutaline
stimuli. o Theophylline/Aminophylline
o Bronchoconstriction narrows airways, o Inhaled Anticholinergics
and sphincter action can completely
occlude airways.
▪ This is further aggravated by
inflammation, mucosal edema, and
excessive mucous production.
➢ Symptoms: Dyspnea, wheezing, chest
tightness, cough, and sputum production
Overview of Drugs for Asthma
➢ There are two main pharmacologic classes used
to treat asthma.
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
o Glucocorticoids
o Cromolyn
o Montelukast (Singulair)
, NUR 0302-388>Respiratory Drug Therapy Update
➢ Take medication as directed.
➢ Do not discontinue without consulting a
medical professional.
➢ When using corticosteroids and
bronchodilators, use bronchodilators first
and follow 5 minutes later with
corticosteroids.
➢ Rinse and spit with water after inhalation
therapy of glucocorticoids to prevent oral
fungal infections.
➢ Interval of at least 1 minute between
puffs to separate the puff.
➢ Use a tight fitting mask in infants and
small children.
Corticosteroids/Glucocorticoids
➢ These are the most effective drugs to
treat asthma.
• This is First-Line Drug Therapy.
➢ Mechanisms: Suppresses Inflammation
1. Synthesis and release of
inflammatory mediators
o Leukotrienes, Histamine, Prostaglandins
2. Infiltration and activity of inflammatory
ells
3. Edema of the airway mucosa
➢ These drugs are usually administered by
Inhalation, Nasally, Orally, and
Intravenously.
• Inhalation: All patients with moderate
to severe asthma should use these drugs
daily.
• PO and IV: The administration routes
are only reserved for severe asthma
patients.
➢ These drugs are used for preventive therapy.
• They are not used to abort an
ongoing attack.
• They are prescribed on a regular
schedule, not as needed (PRN).
➢ Side Effects: There are several effects that
you should know about the use of this
drug.
• Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
• Dysphonia
• Adrenal Suppression (Long-Term)
• Bone Loss (Post-Menopausal Females)
• Slowed Growth of Children (Long-Term)
• Peptic Ulcers and Infection
• Myopathy (Evidenced by Myalgia)
• Potassium Loss and Sodium Retention
