Bronchodilators are
medications used to prevent or reverse
bronchospasm, i.e. a
constriction of the
bronchi. The bronchi are the parts of the
airway that branch off from the
windpipe into the
lungs. They consist of
cartilaginous rings and smooth (
involuntary)
muscle. In people who have
asthma,
respiratory allergies or
COPD (
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), irritation of the bronchi can trigger bronchospasm. The
smooth muscle surrounding the bronchi
constricts, narrowing the diameter of the bronchi and reducing the volume of air which can pass through. Needless to say, this is very
unpleasant and absolutely
terrifying. Prompt application of bronchodilators can either prevent or at least
alleviate the problem.
Bronchodilators
Brand/Generic Drug Names
Proventil/albuterol, Aminophyllin/aminophylline, atropine sulfate, Ephed II/ephedrine, Primatene Mist/epinephrine, Atrovent/ipratropium, Isuprel/isoprotenerol, Brethine/terbutaline, Theo-Dur/theophylline
Common uses
bronchial asthma, bronchospasm associated with bronchitis, emphysema or other obstructive pulmonary disease, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, prevention of exercise-induced asthma
Pharmacology
Anticholinergics: inhibit acetylcholine interaction with receptors on bronchial smooth muscle
alpha/beta-adrenergic agonists: relax bronchial smooth muscle, increase diameter of nasal passages
beta-adrenergic agonists: act on beta2-receptors relaxing bronchial smooth muscle
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors: increase cAMP relaxing respiratory smooth muscle
Class contraindications
hypersensitivity, narrow-angle glaucoma, tachydysrhythmias, severe cardiac disease
Class precautions
breastfeeding, pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, prostatic hypertrophy, seizure disorders
Interactions
varies by drug
Adverse Reactions
tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, bronchospasm, dyspnea
Additional Information
Assess respiratory function
Evaluate therapeutic response: absence of dyspnea, wheezing
Date of most recent Update
August 26, 2002
Further information is available in the writeup for the
specific name(s) of this medication class