This document provides information about the respiratory system and respiratory drugs. It describes the parts of the respiratory tract from the nose to the lungs. It then discusses several respiratory diseases that affect the upper and lower tract, including sinusitis, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The document explains drug classifications for respiratory agents and inhalant products. It provides details about common respiratory drugs like Flonase, Ventolin, and Mucomyst, describing their classification, action, indications, side effects, dosing and more. References are listed at the end.

1. Chapter 7 – Pharmacology
Challenge
CCC Biology 120 Spring 2017
KS Chronic

2. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – The Path from Nose to Lungs
Nasal Cavity
Pharynx
Larynx
Trachea
Bronchial Tubes
Lungs
Bronchioles

3. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – Diseases Which Affect Our Breathing
Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders
• Sinusitis - Infection of the Cranial Sinuses
• Otitis Media – Infection of the Middle Ear
• Tonsillitis – Infection of the Tonsils
• Laryngitis – Infection of the Larynx

4. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – Diseases Which Affect Our Breathing
Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders
• Acute Bronchitis – Infection of the Bronchi
• Pneumonia – Viral or bacterial infection of the lungs
Restrictive Pulmonary Disorders
• Pulmonary Fibrosis – Fibrous tissue builds up in the lungs, restricting ability to
inflate properly
• Asthma – Disease of bronchi & bronchioles which result in inflammation of the
airways, reducing diameter of airways
• Emphysema – Type of COPD resulting in a loss of elasticity & surfactant,
decreasing gas exchange
• Chronic Bronchitis – Type of COPD caused by an overproduction of mucus in the
airways causing a decrease in expiration of air out of the lungs

5. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – Drug Classifications
• Drug Classifications: A drug may be classified
by the chemical type of the active
ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a
particular condition. Each drug can be
classified into one or more drug classes.
(Drugs.com)
Repiratory Agents
Respiratory Inhalent Products

6. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – Respiratory Inhalent Products
• A group of products consisting of finely powdered or liquid drugs
that are carried to the respiratory passages by the use of special
devices such as low-pressure aerosol containers.
• These products consist of finely powdered or liquid drugs that are
carried to the respiratory passages by the use of special devices
such as low-pressure aerosol containers.

7. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM – Respiratory Agents
• Drugs or a combination of drugs used to prevent, relieve or treat
respiratory diseases. They can be taken as pills or liquid, for the drugs to
work systemically. Or they can be available as inhalers or other forms or
inhalation devices, where the medicine is delivered directly into the lungs.
• Drugs or a combination of drugs used to prevent, relieve or treat
respiratory diseases. They can be taken as pills or liquid, for the drugs to
work systemically. Or they can be available as inhalers or other forms or
inhalation devices, where the medicine is delivered directly into the lungs.

8. Respiratory Drugs
•Flonase
•Ventolin
•Mucomyst

9. Flonase (Fluticasone Intranasal)
• Classification: Corticosteroids, Intranasal
• Action: Potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid with
vasoconstrictive properties
• Indications: Seasonal or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug
• Side Effects: Local nasal effects, nasal septum
perforation, epistaxis, wheezing
• Adverse Reactions: Headache, URI
• Dose & Route: 27.5mcg/acuation; 50mcg/acuation.
Nasal spray
• Special Considerations: May mask acute infection,
including fungal infection, exacerbate viral infections or
limit response to vaccines

10. Ventolin (Albuterol)
• Classification: Beta 2 Agonist
• Action: Beta 2 receptor agonist with some Beta 1 activity; relaxes
bronchial smooth muscle with little effect on heart rate
• Indications: Bronchospasms (acute, severe, exercise-induced; spinal
cord injury)
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug, hypersensitivity to
milk proteins
• Side Effects: Dizziness, Tachycardia
• Adverse Reactions: Tremors, nervousness (children 2-6 years),
insomnia (children 6-12 years), nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness,
bronchospasms
• Dose & Route: 90mcg/acuation in both aerosol metered-dose inhaler
& powder metered-dose inhaler
• Special Considerations: Use with caution in patients with
cardiovascular disease, asthma, glaucoma, diabetes, hypokalema,
hyperthyroidism, or seizures

11. Mucomyst (Acetylcysteine)
• Classification: Pulmonary
• Action: Used to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways due to
certain lung diseases (emphysema, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis,
pneumonia)
• Indications: Pulmonary disease, diagnostic bronchography,
acetaminophen overdose
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the drug, other drug
allergies, Acute Asthma
• Side Effects: Slight odor, nausea & vomiting, mouth sores,
runny nose
• Adverse Reactions: Bronchoconstriction, bronchospasm, chest
tightness, drowsiness, fever, nausea, vomiting, rhinorrhea,
irritation of tracheal or bronchial tract
• Dose & Route: Oral or Inhaled. 5-10mL 10% or 20% solution by
nebulizer
• Special Considerations: Black Box Warning: Not for Injection

12. References
• Medscape.com
• Drugs.com
• Wikibooks.com