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INTRODUCTION
A bronchodilator is a substance
that dilates the bronchi and
bronchioles, increasing airflow
Bronchodilators may be
endogenous (originating naturally
within the body), or they may be
medications administered for the
treatment of breathing difficulties
HISTORY
The history of bronchodilators goes back 4000
years to a Chinese doctor named Ma Huang,
who devised a bronchodilator using Ephedra
The first modern-day bronchodilators,
developed about 70 years ago, included
ephedrine and adrenaline
Prior to that, whisky, caffeine, tobacco, and
chloroform were used to treat paroxysms of the
bronchial tubes.
INDICATION
Bronchial asthma is the most
common application of these drugs
They are also intended to help
improve the breathing capacity of
patients with COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases),
eg: emphysema, pneumonia and
bronchitis
ACTION
Act on 2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle
and bronchial mucous membranes
Bronchodilators are either short-acting or longacting.
Short-acting medications provide quick or "rescue"
relief from acute bronchoconstriction
Long-acting bronchodilators help to control and
prevent symptoms
PRECAUTION
Overactive thyroid, heart disease,
high blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, any
drug allergies
This medication should be used only when
clearly needed during pregnancy
This drug may be excreted into breast milk
Anticholinergics are not recommended for
people with glaucoma or urinary disorders
TYPE
1 Short-acting 2-agonists
2 Long-acting 2-agonists
3 Anticholinergics
4 Theophylline
5 Corticosteroids
Short-acting 2-agonists
Long-acting 2-agonists
Anticholinergics
Theophylline
Theophylline
Side-effects can include nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, stomach or headache, rapid or
irregular heart beat, muscle cramps, nervous or
jittery feelings, and hyperactivity. It may
promote acid reflux, by relaxing the lower
esophageal sphincter muscle
Interaction: erythromycin, can interfere with the
way theopylline works. Coffee, tea, colas,
cigarette-smoking, and viral illnesses can all
affect the action of theophylline and change its
effectiveness
Corticosteroids
Relax muscles and reduce
inflammation
Usually effective in a few days and
often reduce frequency of attacks
Next on steroids.