1. 1. Welcome to Pulmonary Rehab Medications Used in Inhalation Therapy Babette Parthum, RRT Clinical Coordinator Respiratory Therapy
2. 2. -Agonists (Bronchodilators) Relaxes and widens the small airways resulting in easier breathing Short acting: works quickly (within 3-5 minutes), but last only 4-6 hours o Albuterol - Ventolin, Proventil o Levalbuterol - Xopenex o Pirbuterol - Maxair o Terbutaline - Brethine
3. 3. -Agonists Continued Long Acting: Lasts about 12 hours and are considered maintenance drugs o Formoterol - Foradil o Salmeterol - Seravent Side Effects of -Agonists o Fast heartbeat and palpitations o Shakiness o If taken too frequently, can cause side effects with little improvement and worsened shortness of breath
4. 4. Anticholinergics (Bronchodilators) Stop the muscles around the bronchi (large airways) from tightening. Short acting: works in about 15 minutes and last for 6-8 hours o Ipratropium Bromide - Atrovent Long acting: Takes about 20 minutes to work and lasts for 24 hours o Tiotropium - Spiriva
5. 5. Anticholinergics Continued Side Effects o Dry mouth o Blurred vision if spray or mist comes in contact with eyes o Dry cough o Men with prostate problems may find it more difficult to urinate
6. 6. Corticosteroids (Anti-Inflammatory) Used in the treatment of COPD to decrease swelling in the airways of the lungs. Long term treatment with corticosteroids improves symptoms, lung function, and quality of life. May reduce frequency of exacerbations Do not work quickly, may take several weeks to feel benefits Names o Beclomethasone - Decadron, QVar
7. 7. Corticosteroids Continued Side Effects o Sore mouth o Hoarse voice o Infections in the throat and mouth (thrush) Side effects can be avoided or reduced by rinsing your mouth after taking the medication
8. 8. Combination Medications Contain two different types of medications in the same inhaler or nebulizer solution. Some evidence suggest that combining medications may increase the widening of the airways more than by using either of the two medications separately.
9. 9. Combination Medications Continued Two Types o Short-acting -Agonists with short-acting anticholinergic Combivent, Duoneb o Long-acting -Agonists with inhaled corticosteroid Advair, Symbicort
10. 10. Conclusion Aerosol delivery of medication is effective for COPD and asthma Common medications for treatment o -Agonists: Albuterol, Xopenex, Seravent o Anticholinergics: Atrovent, Spiriva o Corticosteroids: Pulmicort, Decadron o Combinations: Duoneb, Combivent, Advair, Symbicort Use as directed by your physician. If you are needing your inhalers/nebulizer more often than usual, seek the advice of your physician.
11. 11. References American Thoracic Society Asthma Society of Canada Dr. Aslam Calicut, Junior Resident MD Respiratory Medicine at Pariyaram Medical College Mayo Clinic Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center West Virginia Asthma Education & Prevention