1. Welcome to Pulmonary Rehab Medications Used in Inhalation
Therapy Babette Parthum, RRT Clinical Coordinator Respiratory
Therapy
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. -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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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