Drugs for the Respiratory System
-Major diseases
-Pneumonia- infections of the respiratory tract. As soon as the type of
bacteria is identified, antibiotics can be given to fight the
infection
-Bronchitis- inflammation of the air passageways caused by irritants,
allergic reactions, flu, or viruses. Treatments include with
broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin, tetracyclinement
or erythromycin: expectorants, to keep the sputum moist.
-Emphysema- result of the enlargement of and damage to alveolar
sacs. Treatments include expectorants to thin the sputum and
bronchodilators.
-Pleurisy- an inflammation of the lining of the lungs and lung cavities.
Treatment includes mild sedatives, pain medication, and
treatment of primary disease
-Asthma- characterized by airway obstruction, inflammation, and
increased response to stimuli. Treatment includes use of
bronchodialators; theophylline was preferred drug, but has been
replaced by other bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs
like metaproterenol and albuterol.
-Cancers of the respiratory tract. Treatments include chemotherapy
and radiation.
-Pulmonary embolism, Treatment includes oxygen and anticoagulant
therapy.
-Tuberculosis- is an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium
tuberculosis. Treatment includes use of rifapentine, isoniazide,
rifampin, ethambutol, or pyrazinamide. Treatment consists of a
combination of at least three drugs.
-Inflammations of the upper respiratory tract- some examples are
rhinitis, sinusitis, and strep throat. Some of these ailments can
be treated with decongestants and antihistamines. With strep
throat the disease bacterium must be identified, then treat with a
systemic antibiotic.
-Drugs for the respiratory disorders
-Antitussives- cough suppressants. There are narcotic antitussives,
such as codeine, and nonnarcotic antitussives, such as
dextromethorphan.
-Mucolytics/expectorants- increases the amount of fluid in the
respiratory tract to help liquefy and reduce the viscosity of
secretions. The most commonly used drug is acetylcysteine.
-Decongestants- is vasoconstrictors used for nasal congestion.
Examples of the drug are phenylephrine hydrochloride and
oxymetazoline.
-Antihistamines- drugs that work against the effects of histamine.
Examples of this drug are diphenhydramine, astemizole,
chlorpheniramine, cyproehptadine, cetirizine hydrochloride,
and loratadine.
-Bronchodilators- causes the bronchioles to relax and dilate.
-Inhaled- metaproterenol, albuterol, pirbuterol, epinephrine,
isoproterenol, ephedrine, terbutaline, and ipratroprium
-Orally or intravenously- theophylline, aminophylline, and
oxtriphylline
-Inhaled corticosteroids- belcomethasone, triamcinolone, and
flunisolide.
-Refer to pages 221-222 for representative drugs for the respiratory system
-Refer to pages 223-231 for procedures