Respiratory Therapy Medications in Hospital Pharmacy

Hospital Respiratory Medications

Respiratory medications are among the most frequently dispensed drugs in hospital pharmacies. Pharmacy technicians in inpatient settings must understand the various drug classes, delivery methods, and preparation requirements for respiratory therapy.

Bronchodilators

Short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators are the foundation of respiratory treatment:

• Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) is the primary rescue bronchodilator, available as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and nebulizer solutions
• Ipratropium (Atrovent) is an anticholinergic bronchodilator often combined with albuterol (DuoNeb)
• Levalbuterol (Xopenex) is the R-isomer of albuterol with potentially fewer side effects

Corticosteroids

Inhaled and systemic corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation:

• Budesonide nebulization for acute asthma exacerbations
• IV methylprednisolone for severe COPD and asthma flares
• Oral prednisone tapers for step-down therapy

Advanced Respiratory Therapies

• Inhaled epoprostenol and nitric oxide for pulmonary hypertension in critical care
• Dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) for cystic fibrosis patients to thin mucus
• Surfactant preparations for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
• Ribavirin aerosol for severe RSV infections (requires special containment)

Preparation Considerations

Technicians preparing nebulizer solutions must use proper aseptic technique and verify compatibility when multiple drugs are combined in a single nebulizer treatment. Some solutions require protection from light, and all should be checked for particulate matter.

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