Antiasthmatic Drugs
TERMS
□ ipratropium (Atrovent)
□ zafirlukast (Accolate)
□ budesonide (Pulmicort)
□ cromolyn (Intal, Nasalcrom)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
In 2002, the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program updated guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma. Information on these guidelines can be found at http://www. nhlbi.nih.gov. Drugs are classified as long-term and quick relief medications with a stepwise approach to treatment.
Anticholinergic bronchodilators, antileukotriene agonists, synthetic glucocorticoids, and mast cellstabilizers are used for long-term control of asthma. Bronchodilators and xanthene derivatives are discussed in Chapter 31.
Table 30-1 Antiasthmatic Drugs | |||||||||||||||||||||
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ANTIASTHMATIC DRUGS CLIENT TEACHINGAll Antiasthmatics
Follow directions and use medications as ordered.
Consult with health care provider before taking other OTC medications or herbal remedies.
Do not discontinue without consulting with health care provider.
Do not double dose if a dose is missed.
For inhaled agents, use a spacer if recommended by health care provider.
Teach client how to use metered-dose inhaler. (See Chapter 31.)
Consult with health care provider before taking other OTC medications or herbal remedies.Anticholinergic Bronchodilators
Good mouth care, water, or hard candy helps to decrease dryness.
If symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes after taking, contact health care provider.
Keep a record of number of inhalations instead of floating canister in water to estimate how much drug is left in the canister.1
Avoid getting drug into eyes.
Good mouth care, water, or hard candy helps to decrease dryness.Antileukotriene Antagonists
Encourage follow-up with health care provider for periodic liver function enzyme testing.
These drugs are used for prophylaxis and chronic asthma, but not acute asthma attacks.
Report symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome (generalized flu-like syndrome) to health care provider. Churg-Strauss syndrome is more apt to occur when weaning from systemic steroids. Occurs rarely but can be life-threatening.
Take on an empty stomach.
These drugs are used for prophylaxis and chronic asthma, but not acute asthma attacks.Inhaled Synthetic Glucocorticoids
Systemic glucocorticoids (see Chapter 51)
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