Bronchodilator Drugs
TERMS
□ epinephrine (adrenalin, Primatene, Bronkaid)
□ albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin, Volmax)
□ theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-bid)
QUICK LOOK AT THE CHAPTER AHEAD
Bronchodilators dilate the bronchi and bronchioles and include two classes of drugs: the beta-agonists and xanthine derivatives. The beta-agonists are also called sympathomimetic bronchodilators. They are broken down into three classifications related to the specific receptors that they stimulate. Classifications include: nonselective alpha-beta-agonists that stimulate the alpha, beta1, and beta2 receptors; nonselective beta-agonists that stimulate beta1 and beta2 receptors; and selective beta2-agonists that stimulate only beta2 receptors.1 The alpha-beta-agonist, epinephrine, is discussed in Chapter 28.
Table 31-1 Brochodilator Drugs | ||||||||||||
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BRONCHODILATOR DRUGS CLIENT TEACHINGAll Bronchodilators
Check with health care provider before taking OTC medications and herbal remedies.
Take exactly as prescribed and do not double up on missed doses.
Take exactly as prescribed and do not double up on missed doses.Beta-Agonists
Report adverse effects such as feeling jittery, palpitations, chest pain, rest lessness, insomnia, or other symptoms to health care provider.
Take oral medication with meals to decrease GI upset.
Report adverse effects such as feeling jittery, palpitations, chest pain, restlessness, insomnia, or other symptoms to health care provider.Xanthines
Avoid caffeine, as caffeine acts as a xanthine during therapy.
Take with food if GI upset occurs.
Do not crush or chew enteric-coated or sustained-release products.
Report adverse effects such as palpitations, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, or other symptoms to health care provider.
Avoid tobacco use as nicotine increases the metabolism of xanthines.
Avoid caffeine, as caffeine acts as a xanthine during therapy.Metered-Dose Inhaler
Instruct client on proper use of metered-dose inhaler (MDI). If taking a bronchodilator and steroid, take the bronchodilator first to open up the airways, followed by the steroid.
Fast-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, should be taken before slower or longer acting bronchodilators, such as salmeterol.
If taking a beta-agonist with an anticholinergic, take the beta-agonist before taking the anticholinergic, ipratropium.
Canister contains measured doses of medication.
Instruct client on proper use of metered-dose inhaler (MDI). If taking a bronchodilator and steroid, take the bronchodilator first to open up the airways, followed by the steroid.
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