No abuse potential Modify Airway Resistance Rationale Obstructive airway disease may be caused by excessive secretions, edema of the mucosa, spasm of the bronchial musculature, foreign bodies or tumors, and fibrosis and infiltration producing anatomic narrowing. Drugs can modify the effects of the first three and, as a consequence, improve the delivery of air to the terminal portions of the respiratory tree. IndicationS management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, decompensated congestive heart failure, intrathoracic tracheal collapse, and bronchospasm associated with inhalation of noxious fumes and foreign material. Pre-existing gastrointestinal disease Exudative processes as drying mucous membranes making pulmonary clearance of secretions more difficult. Decrease resistance to the flow of air in the small airwayby actions on smooth muscle.
Greatest efficacy is for non-specific airway obstruction.
Epinephrine is the prototype for this class of drugs. All three receptor types activated. Norepinephrine is equivalent to epinephrine without b -2 receptor activity. Indications useful only as a pressor agent or cardiotonic. Never in respiratory therapy.