Chapter 17: Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System

Bronchodilators Beta 2- Receptor Agonists • Used to treat reversible bronchoconstriction for all ages of patients for asthma, COPD and reactive airway disease. • Variety of delivery systems: inhaled, oral, subcutaneous, etc. Pharmacodynamics • Works on the smooth muscle of the bronchial tree which reverses bronchospasm and ultimately increases vital capacity and airflow. • Unfortunately, like a lot of other medications, there’s effects on other body systems o CNS = anxiety, irritability, dizziness, tremors o Cardiac = tachycardia and vascular smooth muscles would be dilated which would cause a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and reflux tachycardia o Skeletal = tremors