Question

List the class, method of action, route(s) of administration, common uses, side effects and nursing responsibilities for the following respiratory drugs:

Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)

Aminophylline

Beclomethasone (Vanceril)

Cromolyn sodium (Intal)

Diphenhydeamine (Benadryl)

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Ephedrine sulfate

Flonase (fluticasone propionate)

Guaifenesin (Robitussin and others)

Hydrocortisone (Solucortef)

Isoetharin (Brokosol)

Isopreterenol (Isuprel)

Metaproterenol (Alupent)

Methylprednisone (SoluMedrol)

Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate)

Prednisone

Pseudoephreine (Sudafed)

Ribavirn (Virazole)

Terbutalilne (Brethine, Bricayl)

Theophyline (Slophyllin, Theodur)

Triaminic DM, Expetorant, Expectorant DH

Answer 1

1. Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)

Class of drugs: Bronchodilators

Mode of action: Albuterol sulphate will use as a dilator which dilates the                 airway of the lungs. This drug is used to treat asthma. Asthma is a condition in which there will narrowing of the airways that allows the air to move in and out of the lungs. This drug will dilate the bronchial airways by relaxing the muscles that surrounds the airways.

Route of administration: Inhalation through mouth

Common uses: Used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease etc.

Side effects: Headache, Nausea, vomiting, Cough, Nervousness, Shaking of the body parts, Irritation in throat.

Nursing Responsibilities:

· Use the correct dose as ordered by the physician.

· Use minimal dose for minimal periods

· Keep a beta adrenergic blocker ready; in case of any cardiac arrhythmias occur.

· Dilute the solution with 2.5 ml Normal saline before administering

· Do not administer exceed dosage.

2. Aminophylline

Class of drugs: Bronchodilators

Mode of action: Aminophylline drug is a combination of theophylline and ethylenediamine. This theophylline will help to relax the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract and it suppresses the airway stimuli. This will also help for the increase contraction of the diaphragm muscles.

Route of Administration: Aminophylline injection will administer slowly through Intravenous or it will dilute and administer as intravenous infusion.

Common uses: Used to treat Shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis etc.

Side effects: Vomiting, Heaviness of head, increased volume of urine output, seizures, increased pulse rate, Chest pain, dizziness etc.

Nursing Responsibilities:

· Administer the medication on empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hour after meals.

· Should maintain adequate hydration

· After15-30 mints of Iv infusion , take the serum sample to monitor the peak theophylline concentration

· Monitor for any adverse effects after the medication administration

· Keep diazepam ready; in case of seizures.

3. Beclomethasone( Vanceril)

Class of drugs: Corticosteroids

Mode of Action: Beclomethasone is the drug which is used to treat the symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath which is caused by asthma. This drug will works by reducing the airway swelling and thereby makes easier breathing.

Route of administration: Through respiratory inhalation. The administration can be done through a mouthpiece in which the breath will take slowly and deeply. Remove the inhaler and hold the breath for 5-10 sec and gently breathe out.

Common uses: Used to treat chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough etc. which is caused due to asthma.

Side effects: Worsening of the asthma symptoms, blurred vision, pain in eyes, fever, chills, vomiting, tiredness, extreme wheezing, choking, pharyngitis, dysphonia etc.

Nursing Responsibilities:

· Monitor the respiratory status and lung sounds

· Monitor the risk for developing adrenal insufficiency during the initial therapy

· Monitor for any withdrawal symptoms including joint or muscular pain

· Monitor for any other adverse reaction s after the medication administration.

4. Cromolyn Sodium( Intal)

Class of drugs: Mast cell stabilizers

Mode of action: Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory drug which works on the surface of mast cells that will inhibit the rupture of the mast cells. This drug will prevent the release of histamine and mediators of type 1 –allergic reactions that cause tissue inflammation responsible for edema and airway narrowing. This drug will also reduce the release of inflammatory leukotriene.

Route of administration: Through Oral inhalation

Common uses: Used to treat the symptoms of bronchial asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath which occurred as a cause of asthma.

Side effects: Nausea, Irritation in the throat, Cough, wheezing, Heartburn, watery eyes, burning sensation in the nose, dizziness, headache, epistaxis etc.

Nursing Responsibilities:

· Monitor the patient who are taking the bronchodilators and corticosteroids; take the bronchodilators first to ensure that the corticosteroid is completely absorbed

· Instruct the patient to rinse the mouth properly to avoid unwanted taste after administration

· Advice the patient for the regular use of the Cromolyn to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.