Fundamentals of Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians Chapter 9 Respiratory System Drugs © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

Basic Anatomy and Physiology The respiratory system is the body system that brings oxygen from the air into the body for delivery via the blood to cells Respiration is the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the cells of the body Ventilation is the bringing in of fresh air © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

Basic Anatomy and Physiology © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Expectorants Increase the flow of respiratory secretions to allow material to be coughed up from the lungs Increase the fluidity of mucus An example is guaifenesin © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Mucolytics Decrease the viscosity or thickness of respiratory secretions An example is acetylcysteine (also used to treat acetaminophen toxicity) © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Antitussives Suppress coughs May be centrally acting or locally acting Centrally acting antitussives include butorphanol, hydrocodone, codeine, dextromethorphan, and trimeprazine (in a combination product) © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Decongestants Decrease the congestion of nasal passages by reducing swelling Examples include phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Bronchodilators Widen the lumen of the bronchi and counteract bronchoconstriction Examples include cholinergic blocking agents (anticholinergics such as aminopentamide, atropine, and glycopyrrolate), beta-2-adrenergic agonists (such as epinephrine, isoproteronol, terbutaline, and albuterol), and methylxanthines (such as aminophylline and theophylline) © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Antihistamines Block the effects of histamine Antihistamine drug names usually end with –amine Side effects include CNS depression and anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth Examples include diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.

© 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation. Respiratory Drugs Respiratory stimulants Stimulate the animal to increase its respirations Examples include naloxone (usually used to stimulate respiration following narcotic overdose) and yohimbine (used to reverse xylazine administration or overdose) © 2004 by Thomson Delmar Learning, a part of the Thomson Corporation.