Respiratory

Agents that open airways, calm airway inflammation, and manage allergic and obstructive disease of the lungs. The recurring theme: separate the quick reliever from the daily controller.

7 drug classes 28 key drugs

Bronchodilators

-terol High-yield

Relax airway smooth muscle to open the airways. β2-agonists are the core — watch for tachycardia and the LABA-monotherapy rule.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

High-yield

The daily anti-inflammatory controller for asthma — not a rescue. Rinse and spit after use to prevent thrush.

Antihistamines

High-yield

Block H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms. The key split: 1st-generation sedates, 2nd-generation doesn’t.

Leukotriene Modifiers

-lukast

Oral asthma/allergy controllers that block leukotrienes. Not a rescue drug; watch mood/behavior changes.

Methylxanthines (Theophylline)

An older oral bronchodilator with a dangerously narrow therapeutic window — levels must be monitored.

Cough & Cold Agents

OTC antitussives, expectorants, and decongestants. Know decongestant BP effects and the dextromethorphan interaction.

Mast-Cell Stabilizers

Prevent mast cells from releasing histamine — pure prophylaxis. Very safe, but useless in an acute attack.