Respiratory Drugs Respiratory System Drugs Term Paper

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Methylxanthines

Yet another type of medication used to improve respiratory function is Methylxanthines. Some examples of these include Theophylline. These types of agents work similarly to bronchodilators which open the airway passage, in part by relaxing the bronchial or smooth muscles in the air passage ways. They also help promote greater circulation and engage the central nervous system so it can more actively work to provide oxygen throughout the body. Because these medications may result in increased cardio activity, most doctors recommend patients with a history of cardiovascular problems use them with caution, or not at all.

Montelukast

Singulair or Montelukast and Accolate or Zafirlukast are agents that like the Methylxanthines act on receptors in the air passageways of humans called the "leukotrien receptors" especially D4 and E4. These receptors are responsible for what is known as an anaphylactic reaction in the body, where they immune system hyper or overreacts to a stimulus and may result in a life threatening allergic reaction where the lungs and airways tighten up. These drugs can be taken orally to help relieve asthma and other symptoms including respiratory problems resulting from colds and allergies affecting the chest.

Mucolytic Drugs

These drugs are commonly known as expectorants and help induce coughing so a patient can remove and eject mucous and other undesirable excretions from the bronchial or air passageways and the lungs. One example of this type of drugs is Acetylcystaine and another is guaifenesin, often found in over-the-counter cough medications.

Table 1.1

Respiratory Drugs and Their Uses

Bronchodilator Drugs

Mucolytic Drugs

Methylxanthines Category

Anticholinergic Drugs

Dilutents

Help promote bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and contraction

Act as expectorants which help encourage coughing to release mucous from the throat and lungs

Works to convert theophylline, an active ingredient.

Helps produce local dilation of the bronchial airway.

Over-the-counter or home remedies with few side effects

Are useful for reducing excessive secretions of mucous

Some available over-the-counter

May help relax smooth muscle including bronchial muscle

Usually used as an inhalant.

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Include water, which helps thin mucous build up so it can be cleared from the lungs or nasal passageways.

May reduce swelling of the mucosal tissues and reduce inflammation of the lungs

Work on lungs, trachea and bronchi

Helps promote the release of histamine so bronchials do not constrict causing breathing problems

Known medically as a beta-agonist agent.

Saline solutions may also be used to help promote hydration when the respiratory tract becomes clogged.

Can be long or short lasting

Can be inhaled to reduce the viscosity of secretions and thin the mucous so it is released rapidly

May increase cardiac function so patients with cardiovascular problems must use caution

Typically used as maintenance therapy, not for emergent or acute respiratory needs

Sometimes used in the form of a nebulator.

Typically used in chronic diseases including COPD or Asthma

Are available in oral form as is the case with Guaifenesin

May interact with MAOI inhibitors and other antidepressive agents

May help episodic minor bouts of asthma

Fine for minor or the common cold

Conclusions

As you can see, many agents act on the respiratory system. Most respiratory drugs work to relieve mucous build up or prevent it. Some promote coughing to clear irritants including pet dander from the respiratory tract, and others suppress coughing because they work to clear symptoms rather than treat the disease. Many drugs created for chronic respiratory problems help dilate the bronchial passageways so an individual can breathe better. The same drugs traditionally work to smooth bronchial muscle which will help increase the amount of mucous secreted. Spasms of the bronchial muscles would result in overproduction of mucous and acute respiratory infection or disease......

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