This document classifies and describes different types of inhaled drugs used to treat respiratory conditions. It divides drugs into five main classes: bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucoactive agents, antimicrobials, and others. Within the bronchodilators class, it further specifies short-acting and long-acting beta agonists as well as anti-cholinergics. The document provides examples of specific drugs that fall into each class and brief descriptions of their uses and administration methods.

1. UABD –
Nebulized
Liquid
Inhaled Drugs
MDI –
Pressurized
Meter Dose
Inhaler
Canister
DPI – Dry
Powder
Inhaler

2. Classifications by Mechanism
I. Bronchodilators – Reduces bronchial
smooth muscle constriction
II. Corticosteroids – Reduce bronchial wall
inflammation (swelling)
III. Mucoactive Agents – has an effect on
mucus
IV. Antimicrobial – kills microorganisms
V. Other

4. I. Bronchodilators
A. Short Acting -
1) Beta Agonists:
Albuterol 2.5 mg
Xopenex 1.25 mg
2) Anti Cholinergic:
Atrovent (Ipratropium Bromide)
B. Long Acting -
Serevent (in Advair)
Spiriva

5. Short Acting Beta Agonists
(beta-2)

6. II. Steroids
A. Flovent (in Advair)
B. Pulmicort (MDI or UABD)
C. Aerobid
D. Qvar
Must use as directed may
take several doses/days to
have therapeutic effect!

7. Most come in MDI
/ DPI

8. III. Mucoactive Agents
• Normal saline – is the carrier in UABD
treatments (MDI version doesn’t have)
• Acetylcystine – Mucomyst 10%-20%
solutions – irritating and smells! (give with
a bronchodilator
• NaHCO3- (Bicarbonate solution)
• Pulmozyme – expensive $$$

9. IV. Antimicrobials
• Pentamidine – Pneumocystis
• Tobi (Tobramycin) G- bacteria
• Colystin – bacteria
• Ribrivirin

10. V. Others
• Chromolyn Sodium – allergy drug
• Lidocaine – numbing medicine

11. Da rules:
• Don’t give drugs in the exact same class
together:
– examples:
• Pulmicort & Flovent (both steroids)
• Xopenex and Albuterol (both short acting beta
agonists)