PULMONARY MEDICATIONS

Many of the patients seen by physical therapists have primary or secon dary diagnoses for which cardiovascular- or pulmonary-active medicatio ns may be prescribed. There is a need therefore, for physical therapis ts to understand the pharmacologic treatment of such patients. This ar ticle discusses medications commonly used in the treatment of pulmonar y disorders. These medications are typically divided into the followin g categories: bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory agents, decongestants , antihistamines, antitussives, mucokinetics, respiratory stimulants a nd depressants, and paralyzing and antimicrobial agents. Regardless of which group a particular medication belongs to, the rationale for its prescription centers on promoting bronchodilation or relieving bronch oconstriction, facilitating the removal of secretions from the lungs, improving alveolar ventilation or oxygenation or optimizing the breath ing pattern. The relative importance of each of these goals depends on the specific disease process involved and the resultant respiratory p roblem(s).