There are several categories of respiratory drugs, each specific to a drug's purpose and mode of action. The following is a list of key pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of respiratory-related ailments.
Adrenergic (Sympathomimetic) Bronchodilators
Ultra Short-Acting
Epinephrine Racemic epinephrine Isoetharine
Short-Acting
Metaproterenol Albuterol Pirbuterol Levalbuterol
Long-Acting
Salmeterol Formoterol Arformoterol
Anticholinergic (Parasympatholytic) Bronchodilators Ipratropium bromide Tiotropium bromide
Xanthines Theophylline Oxtriphylline Aminophylline Dyphylline
Mucus-controlling agents Acetylcysteine (10%,20%) Dornase alfa Hypertonic saline (3-10%)
Surfactants Beractant Calfactant Poractant alfa
Corticosteroids Beclomethasone (dipropionate) Triamcinolone acetonide Flunisolide (hemihydrate) Fluticasone (propionate) Budesonide Mometasone furoate
Nonsteroidal Antiasthma agents
Cromolyn-like agents Cromolyn sodium Nedocromil sodium
Antileukotrienes Zafirlukast Montelukast Zileuton
Monoclonal Antibody Omalizumab
Aerosolized Antiinfective agents Pentamidine isethionate Ribavirin Tobramycin Zanamivir
Smoking Cessation Drugs Nicotine transdermal (patch) Nicotine polacrilex Bupropion Varenicline
Other Important Respiratory Medications α1-Proteinase Inhibitors Nitric Oxide (gas) Heliox (gas) Epoprostenol
References