Albuterol

(Proventil)

Bronchodilators

 (Sympathomimetics)

Act by reducing bronchial smooth muscle resulting in bronchodilation and decreased airway resistance.

Theophylline

(Theo-dur)

Bronchodilators

(Methylxanthines)

Alternative bronchodilators and chemically related to caffeine. Interact with many other drugs. Used for persistent chronic respiratory problems such as asthma.

Prednisone

Anti-inflammatory

(Glucocorticoids)

Natural hormones released by the adrenal cortex, used to treat anti-inflammatory conditions, can suppress histamine release and inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins by Cox 2 and can inhibit the immune system.

Ancef

Anti-infectives

(cephalosporins)

Used to treat infections.  They are bactericidal and act by attaching to penicillin-binding protein to inhibit cell wall synthesis.

Isoniazid

(INH)

Anti-tubercular

Used to treat TB. They are used in combination with other drugs and use can extend for long periods of time.

Diphenhydramine

(Benadryl)

Anti-histamines

Block the action of histamine at the H1 receptor.

 Used to treat allergies.

Guafinesin

(Robitussin)

Expectorants

Drugs that increase bronchial secretions. Act to reduce the thickness or viscosity of bronchial secretions thus increasing mucous flow which can be removed by coughing. (loosens mucous)

Acetylcysteine

(Mucomyst)

Mucolytic

Break down the chemical structure of mucous molecules. Mucous becomes thinner and more able to be removed by coughing.

Codeine

(Hydrocodone)

Anti-tussive

Controls cough. Acts to raise the cough threshold in the CNS. (suppresses cough)

Sudafed

Decongestant

Reduces swelling of blood vessels in nasal passages.