Respiratory Pharmacology

What this unit covers

Most of the resources here follow the drugs used for breathing problems. Asthma and COPD take up the largest share, with further material on allergic rhinitis, coughs and colds, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

The mind map Respiratory Drugs splits bronchodilators into β2 adrenergic agonists, antimuscarinics and methylxanthines. It also separates short-acting from long-acting agents and names examples such as salbutamol, terbutaline, eformoterol and salmeterol.

Where to start

Begin with a map for the overall picture. Then move to the flashcards for detail on single drugs and classes.

1. Open the mind map Respiratory Drugs to see how the classes fit together.
2. Read Asthma Drugs, which separates extrinsic asthma, triggered by allergens, from intrinsic asthma.
3. Move to the maps on chronic asthma management, which cover inhaler technique, a PEF meter and a stepped approach starting with a PRN SABA.
4. Use the Asthma flashcards for rescue drugs, symptoms, severity and control.

Using quizzes and maps together

Study a map, close it, then take a quiz on the same topic. The quiz Drugs for Bronchospastic Disorders uses fill-in-the-blank items, such as naming salmeterol as a long-acting β2 agonist. The quiz on respiratory disorders in clinical pharmacology asks about adverse reactions of methylxanthines and β2 agonists. Wrong answers show you which part of the map to revisit.

There are also flashcards on compound β2-agonist and corticosteroid inhalers, covering examples, mechanism, side effects and cautions. They are useful once the single drug classes feel familiar.

For exam candidates

Two decks are labelled for ExCPT: ExCPT PHARM Respiratory Set 1: Asthma/COPD Medications and ExCPT PHARM Respiratory Set 2: Allergy/Cough & Cold Medications. They suit professional candidates who want focused drill.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Organ Systems, Endocrine and Immune Pharmacology, within Pharmacology. Choose a resource that matches the topic you are on, and add your own maps and flashcards where you spot a gap.