Bronchodilators

action:
1. dilate air passages in the lungs, specific action dependent on type of drug.
2. increase heart rate
3. act on the autonomic nervous system
examples
1. beta-adrenergic: abuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), metaproterenol (Alupent)
2. xanthines: aminophylline, theophylline (Theo-Dur) acts on bronchial smooth muscle
3. epinephrine HCL (Adrenalin) - increases the rate and strength of cardiac contraction through the sympathetic nervous system
4. isoproterenol HCL (Isuprel) - increases the heart rate by stimulating the beta-adrenergic blocking agent of the sympathetic nervous system
use
1. bronchospasms
2. asthma
adverse effects
1. dizziness
2. tremors
3. anxiety
4. palpitations
5. gastric disturbances
6. headache
7. tachycardia
8. dysrhythmias
contraindications
1. hypersensitivity
2. narrow angle glaucoma
3. tachydysrhythmias
4. severe cardiac disease
nursing interventions
1. monitor theophylline levels (normal ten to 20 mcg/dl)
2. monitor intake and output, and vital signs
3. monitor EKG, vital signs during therapy
4. teach clients
* take medication as prescribed only
* report adverse effects
* stop smoking during therapy
* take with meals
* avoid OTC drugs