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).