Respiratory Prescription Medications

Jenny DelaneyBio 120 –WW9

2/27/2012Chapter 7

There are several types of respiratory medications. The three most commonly used and most widely available are:

Corticosteriods – When airways are irritated, they often swell, and this makes it harder to breathe. Cortico steriods are anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive agents that result in bronchodialation (open the air ways).

Antibiotics - Aminoglycoside antibiotics disrupt protein synthesis of cells, causing them to die. Antibiotics attack and destroy bacteria in respiratory infections.

Antihistamines – Histamines are released when your body is exposed to allergens. Histamines attach to cells and cause them to swell and leak fluid. Antihistamines prevent histamines from attaching to your cells.

Flovent (Rotadisk)

Flovent Rotadisk, a fluticasone inhalation powder, has been approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients four and older. Flovent is a corticosteroid.

Dosage: Twice Daily 50 mcg and 100 mcg dosages are prescribed for children 250 mcg dosages are prescribed to adults

AugmentinAugmentin contains a combination of amoxicillin and

clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin fights bacteria in the body. Augmentin is used as a powerful antibiotic to treat many different respiratiinfections caused by bacteria, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, and bronchitis.

Dosage:Children and adults are prescribed liquid or pill forms of

Augentin based upon their body weight.

BenadrylBenadryl (Diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used

to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose, hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. It is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation.

Dosage:Children and adults are prescribed liquid or pill forms of

Bendaryl based upon their body weight.

What is the Respiratory System?

The respiratory system is composed of a network of passageways which permit air to flow from the external environment to the body.

How Does the Respiratory System Work?

Any swelling, disease, or disruption of this system is considered a respiratory illness.

Thank you.