Drugs used in respiratory medicine
| Drug | Mechanism of action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol | Beta receptor agonist | • Short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle through effects on beta 2 receptors • Used in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). • Salmeterol has similar effects but is long-acting |
| Corticosteroids | Anti-inflammatory | • Inhaled corticosteroids are used as mainterance therapy • Oral or intravenous corticosteroids are used following an acute exacerbation of asthma or COPD |
| Ipratropium | Blocks the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors | • Short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle • Used primarily in COPD • Tiotropium has similar effects but is long-acting |
| Methylxanthines (e.g. theophylline) | Non-specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase resulting in an increase in cAMP | • Given orally or intravenously • Has a narrow therapeutic index |
| Monteleukast, zafirlukast | Blocks leukotriene receptors | • Usually taken orally • Useful in aspirin-induced asthma |