Pulmonary Drug Classes & Mode Of Action

Front 1

What are the Pulmonary Drug Classes?

Back 1

1.) Andrenergic Bronchodilators
2.) Anti-asthmatic Agents
3.) Non-Steroidal Anti-asthmatic Drugs (NSAIDS)
4.) Anticholinergics (cholinergic-blocking agents)
5.) Corticosteroids
6.) Inhaled Antidiabetic Agents
7.) Inhaled Anti-Infective Agents (Antimicrobials)
8.) Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators
9.) MethylXanthines (Xanthines)
10.) Mucus-Controlling Agents (Mucoactive Drugs)
11.) Surface-Active Agents

Front 2

Andrenergic Bronchodilators

Back 2

Sympathomimetic (mimic effects of Sympathetic Nervous System) drugs that cause stimulation of Neurotransmitters Epi &/or NorEpinephrine, which in turn stimulates/activates Adenylate Cyclase & results in smooth muscle relaxation and bronchodilation

Front 3

Anti-asthmatic Agents

Back 3

Agents used Prophylactically to prevent the onset & development of the Mild to Moderate asthmatic response in patients. These drugs are NOT to be used as rescue-inhalers to treat acute bronchospasm.

Front 4

Non-Steroidal Anti-asthmatic Drugs (NSAIDS)

Back 4

Drugs that are not steroidal in nature, however, carry anti-inflammatory properties & can be used prophylactically to prevent the onset & development of the Mild to Moderate asthmatic response.

Front 5

Anticholinergics (cholinergic-blocking agents)

Back 5

Parasympatholytic (Drugs that block the effects of the Parasympathetic Nervous System) These drugs inhibit stimulation of acetylcholine receptors that cause bronchoconstriction, & help to relax cholinergic induced bronchoconstriction, thus improving ventilation flow rates in COPD & Asthma

Front 6

Corticosteroids

Back 6

Drugs that help to reduce & control the inflammatory response in the airway with persistent & severe COPD & Asthma. These drugs are primarily used for long-term prevention & maintenance therapy.

Front 7

Inhaled Antidiabetic Agents

Back 7

Inhaled Insulin for control of hyperglycemia in Diabetes Mellitus. Lowers blood sugar by stimulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscle & fat, and by blocking hepatic glucose production. Insulin is then delivered to the lungs and reaches the bloodstream by crossing into the capillary system

Front 8

Inhaled Anti-Infective Agentst (Antimicrobials)

Back 8

Any drug/agent used to combat infection, such as antifungals, antibiotics, or antiviral drugs. Drugs used to destroy or prevent the development of micoorgansims

Front 9

Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators

Back 9

Drugs used in the treatment & diagnostic use of Pulmonary Hypertension. These drugs help to relax vascular smooth muscle, producing pulmonary vasodilation, thus, decreasing Pulmonary Artery Pressure & improving V/Q mismatching.

Front 10

MethylXanthines (Xanthines)

Back 10

Drugs that work to inhibit the release of Phosphdiesterase (enzyme that breaks down adenosine monophospate, cyclic 3'5' AMP) thus, allowing for continued bronchodilation.

Front 11

Mucus-Controlling Agents (Mucoactive drugs)

Back 11

Agents used to increase movement of mucus for removal from the Respiratory Tract. Movement is aided by thinning secretions, breaking down mucus bonds, or by breaking down disease-specific DNA bonds.

Front 12

Surface-Active Agents

Back 12

Agents used to decrease the Surface Tension in the alveoli to prevent Atelectasis, IRDS, Pulmonary Edema, etc., and to restore/obtain Normal Lung Compliance.