Respiratory Drugs
Bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and medications for asthma and COPD
Budesonide
Budesonide
Use:
Asthma, COPD, Crohn disease (oral formulation)
Mechanism:
Potent glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory effects
Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone
Use:
Severe inflammation, cerebral edema, chemotherapy-induced nausea, COVID-19
Mechanism:
Potent glucocorticoid with minimal mineralocorticoid activity
Epinephrine IV
Epinephrine
Use:
Cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, shock
Mechanism:
Non-selective alpha and beta agonist: vasoconstriction (alpha), increased inotropy/chronotropy (beta-1), bronchodilation (beta-2)
Fluticasone
Fluticasone Propionate
Use:
Asthma, allergic rhinitis, COPD
Mechanism:
Synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory activity
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone
Use:
Adrenal insufficiency, inflammation, allergic reactions, shock
Mechanism:
Binds glucocorticoid receptors; anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive effects
Ipratropium
Ipratropium Bromide
Use:
COPD, asthma, rhinorrhea
Mechanism:
Competitive antagonist of muscarinic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine Bitartrate
Use:
Shock, severe hypotension
Mechanism:
Potent alpha-1 agonist (vasoconstriction) with beta-1 effects (increased inotropy)
Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin
Use:
Overactive bladder (urge incontinence, urgency, frequency)
Mechanism:
Antimuscarinic agent, relaxes bladder smooth muscle by blocking M3 receptors
Prednisone
Prednisone
Use:
Inflammation, autoimmune disorders, asthma, allergic reactions
Mechanism:
Binds to glucocorticoid receptors, altering gene expression
Tiotropium
Tiotropium Bromide
Use:
COPD, asthma (maintenance)
Mechanism:
Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) causing bronchodilation
Medical Disclaimer
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