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Pharmacology - Respiratory System
Pharmacology - Respiratory System
INSTITUTE OF NURSING
Bayambang Campus
Bayambang, Pangasinan
(Respiratory System)
Group 3
De Guzman, Nervanz Christian D.
Encina, Camille Arra F.
Mancilla, Charise Jireh B.
Repalda II, Amado D.
BSN II-1
(A.Y. 2023-2024)
I. INTRODUCTION
The respiratory system plays the key role for breathing and keeping the right balance of gas
concentrations in our body to support homeostasis. This system has two parts: the upper and lower
respiratory systems.
• The upper part = which includes the nasal cavity, oral cavity, throat,
Pharynx and Larynx.
This provides a passage for air to be breathed in and out of the lungs,
but it also heats, humidifies and filters the air and is involved in
cough, swallowing and speech.
• The lower part = this includes the Trachea, Bronchi, Bronchioles,
and Alveoli – alveolar capillary membrane.
This pulls in air from the upper respiratory system, absorb the oxygen,
and release carbon dioxide in exchange.
THE LUNGS: These are vital organs in our respiratory system. They have tiny air sacs called alveoli
where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. These oxygenate our blood and help
remove waste gases from our body.
MECHANISMS of RESPIRATION:
a. Ventilation = which oxygen passes through the airways.
b. Perfusion = involves blood flow at the alveolar-capillary bed. Perfusion is influenced by alveolar
pressure.
c. Diffusion = Gas molecules moves from higher to lower concentration.
THE PROBLEMS: Various issues can affect the respiratory system and make it challenging to
breathe. These issues include conditions like allergies, asthma, infections, lung diseases, and trauma
caused by environmental or physical factors.
1|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
II. DRUGS AFFECTING RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
In this discussion, we'll delve into a variety of drug medications specifically created to either
prevent or alleviate common respiratory challenges. These treatments are generally focused on
enhancing your overall health and helping you breathe more comfortably in our world.
• +H1 blocker (2nd generation) = the non-sedating antihistamine; this do not cross the blood-brain
barrier to the extent that first-generation do and therefore do not cause drowsiness at standard
dosage levels. Has fewer drug interactions.
Prototype: Cetirizin (generic) = Zyrtec (branded)
Indication: Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Chronic urticaria, Perennial Allergic rhinitis
Contraindication: Avoid use if there is hypersensitivity to cetirizine or hydroxyzine.
Adverse fx: headache, nausea, vomiting, dysmenorrhea, and fatigue
Drug forms: available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, syrups, and topical creams
2|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
INTERACTIONS:
• Monoamine inhibitor (MAOI) = Anticholinergic effects may be prolonged if
diphenhydramine is taken with a monoamine inhibitor.
• Ketoconazole/erythromycin = Interaction of fexofenadine with ketoconazole or
erythromycin may raise fexofenadine concentrations to toxic levels.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS:
This medication is not safe for children under the age of 2 years without a healthcare
provider’s order.
NOTE: ZERO ALCOHOL INTAKE must be observed
ANTITUSSIVE – Prescription or over-the-counter drugs used for suppressing dry and persistent
coughs. It has three types: nonnarcotic, narcotic, or combination preparations.
MOA: Suppresses cough by depressing the cough center in the medulla oblongata or the cough
receptors in the throat, trachea, or lungs that effectively elevate the threshold for coughing This drug
aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing, making it easier for individuals to rest and
recover from underlying conditions.
Drug forms: Oral syrups, Tablets, Capsules, Lozenges, ETR tablets, Liquid Gels, Prescription-
Based liquid formula
Indications: Antitussives are employed to alleviate dry, disruptive coughs that impede rest and sleep,
offering temporary relief from coughing, as well as minor throat and bronchial irritations caused by
the common cold, and may help relieve itchy, watery eyes.
Adverse effects: chest numbness, a chilly sensation, constipation, confusion, dizziness,
gastrointestinal upset, hallucinations, headache, nasal congestion, nausea, itching, sedation, skin
eruptions, vomiting, and nervousness.
Contraindications: This medication is not safe for children under 12, can be misused recreationally,
should not be taken with alcohol, and if you're using MAOIs or respiratory inhalers, consult your
doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Prototype: Dextromethorphan (generic) = Rubitussin DM (branded)
Antidote: Naloxone (Narcan)
Interaction: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Dextromethorphan should not be used with
MAOIs because hypotension, fever, nausea, myoclonic jerks, and coma could occur.
Nursing Consideration:
• Monitor patient response to the drug (control of non-productive cough).
• Monitor for adverse effects (respiratory depression, dizziness, sedation).
3|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching plan.
• Monitor the effectiveness of other measures to relieve cough.
• This medication is not safe for children under the age of 4 years.
DECONGESTANT – provide short-term relief for a congested or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
MOA: also called as sympathomimetic amine; stimulate the alpha-adrenergic receptors, producing
vascular constriction (vasoconstriction) of the capillaries within the nasal mucosa. This shrinks the
nasal mucous membranes and a reduction in fluid secretion.
Drug forms: Oral tablets, Capsules, Syrups, Nasal sprays, Nasal drops, Topical creams, Nasal
Inhalers
Indications: Relieve nasal obstruction due to inflammation.
Adverse effects: hypertension, dysrhythmia, dizziness, headache, insomnia, and restlessness. Some
patients may experience blurred vision, tinnitus, chest tightness, dry nose, and nasal congestion.
Contraindications: patients with severe hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), narrow-angle
glaucoma, and some antidepressant use. Also, use with caution in patients who have cardiac
dysrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, DM (diabetes mellitus), prostatic hypertrophy, and glaucoma
Prototype: Pseudoephedrine (generic) = Sudafed (branded)
Antidote: Acepromazine or Chlorpromazine
Nursing Considerations:
• This medication is not safe for children under the age of 4 years.
4|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
MOA: It reduce the viscosity of tenacious secretions by irritating the gastric vagal receptors that
stimulate respiratory tract fluid, thus increasing the volume but decreasing the viscosity of respiratory
tract secretions.
Drug form: Oral syrups, Tablets, Capsules, ETR tablets
Interaction: Found in many OTC cold remedies along with analgesics, antihistamines,
decongestants, and antitussives.
Indications: used for a productive cough and for loosening mucus from the respiratory tract.
Adverse effects: may cause a skin rash, headache, nausea, and vomiting
Considerations: Safe for all ages. Guaifenesin is only recommended for use during pregnancy and
breastfeeding when benefit outweighs the risk.
Prototype: Guaifenesin (generic) = Rubitussin (branded)
Nursing Considerations:
• The medication is safe for all ages. Guaifenesin is only recommended for use during
pregnancy and breastfeeding when benefit outweighs the risk.
• Hydration is the best natural expectorant
MUCOLYTICS – medications that break up mucus so you can clear it out of your lungs more easily.
They're used to treat cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis and other lung conditions.
MOA: increase or liquefy respiratory secretions to aid the clearing of the airways in high-risk
respiratory patients who are coughing up thick, tenacious secretions.
Drug forms: Oral tablets, capsules, syrups, nebulizer solutions, inhaler solution
Therapeutic effects: It safeguards liver cells during episodes of acetaminophen toxicity by restoring
hepatic glutathione levels and binding to a reactive hepatotoxic acetaminophen metabolite. In the
respiratory system, it acts on mucoproteins by breaking disulfide bonds that bind mucus materials,
leading to reduced thickness and stickiness in the secretions.
Indications: limited ability to move secretions, including postoperative patients with tracheostomies
for improved airway clearance and suctioning; clearing of secretions during diagnostic procedures
like diagnostic bronchoscopy; offers oral protection against acetaminophen toxicity for the liver, and
helps address atelectasis caused by thick mucus secretions.
Adverse effects: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, runny nose, bronchospasm,
and skin rashes.
Contraindications: caution in situations involving acute bronchospasms, peptic ulcers, and
esophageal varices because the heightened secretions caused by this medication could potentially
worsen these conditions.
Prototype: Acetylcysteine (generic) = Mucomyst (branded)
5|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
Interaction:
Nursing Considerations:
• Proper administration. Caution the patient not to use these drugs for longer than 1 week
and to seek medical attention if the cough persists after that time to evaluate for any
underlying medical condition and to arrange for appropriate treatment.
BRONCHODILATORS: (BAM! B-Beta2 agonist, A-Anticholinergic, M-Methyxanthines)
A type of medication that makes breathing easier. They do this by relaxing the muscles in the lungs
and widening the airways (bronchi). They often treat long-term conditions where the airways may
become narrow and inflamed. (COPD and Asthma)
Bronchodilators may be either:
Short-acting – used as short-term relief from sudden, unexpected attacks of breathlessness.
Long-acting – used regularly to help control breathlessness in asthma and COPD.
Nursing considerations:
6|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, cautious to patient with cardiac disease, vascular disease,
arrhythmias, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.
Prototype:
SABA: Albuterol (Generic) = Ventolin HFA (Branded)
LABA: Salmeterol (Generic) = Advair Diskus (Branded)
ABA: Epinephrine (Generic) = Adrenaline (Branded)
Nursing Considerations:
• Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and lungs sounds before and after
administration. If more than one inhalation is ordered, wait at least 2 minutes between
inhalations.
• Use a spacer device to improve drug delivery, if appropriate.
On the flipside: There is also a Beta2 Antagonist which are called as Beta blockers = to where they
have a constricting effect on bronchial airways and blood vessels, leading to decreased heart rate and
reduced blood pressure. Not recommended for patient with asthma or COPD due to its effects that
may worsen the condition.
7|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
METHYLXANTINE DERIVATIVES – bronchodilators used to treat asthma, and stimulate the
central nervous system (CNS) and respiration, dilate coronary and pulmonary vessels, and cause
diuresis.
MOA:
Phosphodiesterase Inhibition = inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes, particularly
phosphodiesterase type 3 and type 4. This leads to increased levels of cyclic adenosine
monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), resulting in bronchodilation,
relaxation of smooth muscle, and anti-inflammatory effects in the airways.
Adenosine Receptor Antagonism = antagonize adenosine receptors, which can lead to
bronchodilation and central nervous system stimulation.
Release of Endogenous Epinephrine = They stimulate the release of endogenous epinephrine,
leading to bronchodilation and increased heart rate.
Administration: orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid preparations. Intravenous forms,
such as aminophylline, may be used for acute situations.
Indications: Asthma, COPD, Apnea of Prematurity, and Cardiac Arrhythmias
Adverse effects: Nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations, and nervousness. Toxicity can be seen
with seizures, arrhythmias, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, medication tolerance, cardiac arrhythmias, seizure disorders,
and peptic ulcers.
Prototype: Theophylline (generic) = Elixophyllin (branded)
Nursing Considerations: Patients should be sure to take medications as prescribed at appropriate
intervals. They should avoid irritants and drink fluids to help thin secretions.Patients will need
serum blood levels tested every six to twelve months.
8|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
Indications: Inflammatory disease, Allergic Reaction and Asthma, Autoimmune Diseases, COPD,
Sarcoidosis, Interstitial lung disease and used as Cancer treatments.
Adverse and side effects: Long term effects may cause side effects of headache, euphoria,
confusion, sweating, hyperglycemia, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and menstrual
irregularities; and adverse effects of depression, peptic ulcer, loss of bone density and development
of osteoporosis, and psychosis.
NOTE: when oral and IV steroids are used for prolonged periods, electrolyte imbalance, fluid
retention (puffy eyelids, edema in the lower extremities, moon face, weight gain), hypertension,
thinning of the skin, purpura, abnormal subcutaneous (fat) distribution, hyperglycemia, and impaired
immune response are likely to occur.
Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the medication, significant hepatic impairment, and active
systemic fungal infections
Prototype: beclomethasone (generic) = Qvar (branded)
Nursing Consideration: Administer drug daily at 8 to 9 AM to mimic normal peak diurnal
concentration levels and thereby minimize suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA).
MAST CELL STABILIZERS - prevent and manage allergic reactions and related conditions by
stabilizing mast cells, which are a type of immune cell involved in allergic responses.
MOA = Prevents mast cells from degranulating and releasing histamine and other inflammatory
mediators when exposed to allergens or triggers. By stabilizing mast cells, these medications reduce
the allergic response, including symptoms such as itching, swelling, and bronchoconstriction.
Administration: nasal sprays or eye drops for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. For asthma, they
can be administered via inhalation.
Indication: Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, and Asthma
Adverse effect: Rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Contraindication: Hypersensitivity
Prototype:
Cromolyn sodium (Gastrocrom): Available in various forms, including nasal sprays and eye drops
for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, and inhaled preparations for asthma.
Nedocromil (Tilade,Alocril): Used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and asthma.
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS:
✓ Current symptoms, vital signs, lung sounds as needed Monitor symptoms and
effectiveness of treatment
✓ Wash hands before self-administering
✓ Maintenance therapy; do not use medication to stop an acute attack
✓ Can take 1–2 weeks or more for symptom relief
✓ Rinse and gargle after administration
✓ Clean equipment after use
✓ Blow nose before instillation
9|RESPIRATORY DRUGS
✓ Clean spray nozzle after use
✓ Avoid touching dropper to eye, fingers, other surfaces
✓ Do not wear soft contact lenses
10 | R E S P I R A T O R Y D R U G S
DRUG PROTOTYPES/SAMPLES
11 | R E S P I R A T O R Y D R U G S
Ambroxol Mucobrox, Mucosolvan
Leukotriene Zafirlukast Accolate
Modifiers Zirleuton Zyflo, Zyflo CR “-lukast”
Montelukast Singulair
Mast cell Cromolyn Na Gastrocrom None
stabilizer Nedocromil Tilade
Glucocorticoids Beclomethasone Qvar
Dexamethasone Decadron, Solurex, Baycadron “-asone”
Prednisone Rayos and Deltasone® “-sone”
Beta Blocker Propanolol Inderal “-olol”
REFERENCES
Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2023, January 12). Fundamentals of Nursing Pharmacology -
1st Canadian Edition. Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/nursingpharmacology/
DrugBank Online | Database for drug and drug target info. (n.d.). DrugBank.
https://go.drugbank.com/
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