Inhaled Drugs

UABD – Nebulized Liquid

DPI – Dry Powder Inhaler

MDI – Pressurized Meter Dose Inhaler Canister

Classifications by Mechanism

I. Bronchodilators – Reduces bronchial smooth muscle constriction

II. Corticosteroids – Reduce bronchial wall inflammation (swelling)

III. Mucoactive Agents – has an effect on mucus

IV. Antimicrobial – kills microorganisms

V. Other

I. Bronchodilators

A. Short Acting -1) Beta Agonists:

Albuterol 2.5 mg

Xopenex 1.25 mg

2) Anti Cholinergic:

Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide)

B. Long Acting -

Serevent (in Advair)

Spiriva

Short Acting Beta Agonists (beta-2)

II. Steroids

A. Flovent (in Advair)

B. Pulmicort (MDI or UABD)

C. Aerobid

D. Qvar

Must use as directed may take several doses/days to have therapeutic effect!

Most come in MDI / DPI

III. Mucoactive Agents

• Normal saline – is the carrier in UABD treatments (MDI version doesn’t have)

• Acetylcystine – Mucomyst 10%-20% solutions – irritating and smells! (give with a bronchodilator

• NaHCO3- (Bicarbonate solution)

• Pulmozyme – expensive $$$

IV. Antimicrobials

• Pentamidine – Pneumocystis

• Tobi (Tobramycin) G- bacteria

• Colystin – bacteria

• Ribrivirin

V. Others

• Chromolyn Sodium – allergy drug

• Lidocaine – numbing medicine

Da rules:

• Don’t give drugs in the exact same class together: – examples:

• Pulmicort & Flovent (both steroids)• Xopenex and Albuterol (both short acting beta

agonists)