Ch 76 Drugs for Asthma and COPD

Ipratropium

Bronchodilator for COPD

Flunisolide

Inhaled glucocorticoid

Theophylline

Bronchodilator; for long term medication therapy

The nurse is preparing to discharge a client who presented to the emergency room for an acute asthma attack. The nurse notes that upon discharge the HCP has prescribed theophylline 300 mg orally to be taken daily at 9:00 AM. The nurse will teach the client to take the medication on which schedule? A. With a meal B. Only at bedtime C. At a specific time prescribed D. Until symptoms are gone

C. For theophylline to be effective, therapeutic serum levels must be maintained by taking the medication at the prescribed time. If the medication is not taken at the prescribed time, the level may drop below the therapeutic range. The medication will not be effective if it drops below the therapeutic range. Theophylline should be given after a meal and with a full glass of water to decrease gastric irritability. It should not be taken at night, as it can cause CNS stimulation resulting in insomnia, restlessness, irritability, etc. Theophylline is used for long-term medication therapy.

Zafirkulast

Leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA); anti-inflammatory