Respiratory pharmacology

There are several categories of respiratory drugs, each specific to a drug's purpose and mode of action. The following is a list of key pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of respiratory-related ailments.

Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Bronchodilators

Ultra Short-Acting

• Epinephrine
• Racemic epinephrine
• Isoetharine

Short-Acting

• Metaproterenol
• Albuterol
• Pirbuterol
• Levalbuterol

Long-Acting

• Salmeterol
• Formoterol
• Arformoterol

Anticholinergic (Parasympatholytic) Bronchodilators

• Ipratropium bromide
• Tiotropium bromide

Xanthines

• Theophylline
• Oxtriphylline
• Aminophylline
• Dyphylline

Mucus-controlling agents

• Acetylcysteine (10%,20%)
• Dornase alfa
• Hypertonic saline (3-10%)

Surfactants

• Beractant
• Calfactant
• Poractant alfa

Corticosteroids

• Beclomethasone (dipropionate)
• Triamcinolone acetonide
• Flunisolide (hemihydrate)
• Fluticasone (propionate)
• Budesonide
• Mometasone furoate

Nonsteroidal Antiasthma agents

Cromolyn-like agents

• Cromolyn sodium
• Nedocromil sodium

Antileukotrienes

• Zafirlukast
• Montelukast
• Zileuton

Monoclonal Antibody

• Omalizumab

Aerosolized Antiinfective agents

• Pentamidine isethionate
• Ribavirin
• Tobramycin
• Zanamivir

Smoking Cessation Drugs

• Nicotine transdermal (patch)
• Nicotine polacrilex
• Bupropion
• Varenicline

Other Important Respiratory Medications

• α₁-Proteinase Inhibitors
• Nitric Oxide (gas)
• Heliox (gas)
• Epoprostenol