Respiratory Pharmacology
Master bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, biologics, mucolytics, pulmonary vasodilators, surfactants, and critical respiratory medications.
Built specifically for respiratory therapy students, NBRC preparation, ICU clinicians, and pulmonary medicine learners.
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Featured NBRC high-yield medications
Albuterol
SABA
Fast relief does not equal long-term control; frequent use suggests poor asthma or COPD control.
Ipratropium
SAMA
In acute COPD exacerbations, ipratropium is commonly paired with albuterol for additive bronchodilation.
Tiotropium
LAMA
The NBRC trap is using tiotropium for acute distress; use SABA for rescue, LAMA for maintenance.
Ipratropium/Albuterol
SAMA/SABA combination
DuoNeb = SABA + SAMA
Salmeterol
LABA
LABA = Long acting, not rescue
Formoterol
LABA
Fast LABA
Medication Library
Browse by therapeutic class
Explore respiratory pharmacology in a study-friendly order, from rescue bronchodilators to biologics, surfactants, and ICU pharmacology.
Short-Acting Beta Agonists
SABA2 medicationsRescue bronchodilators used for rapid relief of bronchospasm.
Albuterol
SABA
Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist used for rapid bronchodilation in acute bronchospasm. It works by stimulating beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP, and relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. Expected side effects include tremor, tachycardia, palpitations, and possible hypokalemia. For NBRC-style questions, remember that albuterol is rescue therapy, not controller therapy.
Levalbuterol
SABA
Levalbuterol is a short-acting beta agonist used for rapid relief of bronchospasm. It has the same core beta-2 agonist mechanism as albuterol and is commonly tested as another rescue bronchodilator. Expected adverse effects remain beta-agonist effects such as tremor, tachycardia, palpitations, and hypokalemia. For exam purposes, classify it with SABAs and avoid confusing it with LABA maintenance therapy.
Short-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists
SAMA1 medicationsAnticholinergic bronchodilators commonly tested in COPD exacerbation scenarios.
Long-Acting Beta Agonists
LABA3 medicationsMaintenance bronchodilators that should not be confused with rescue therapy.
Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists
LAMA2 medicationsMaintenance anticholinergic bronchodilators used heavily in COPD care.
Tiotropium
LAMA
Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist used mainly for maintenance bronchodilation in COPD. It blocks acetylcholine at airway muscarinic receptors and provides prolonged bronchodilation lasting about 24 hours. Its adverse effects are anticholinergic, especially dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and glaucoma-related caution. For exam questions, the key pearl is that tiotropium is maintenance therapy and should not be selected for immediate rescue of acute bronchospasm.
Umeclidinium
LAMA
LAMA maintenance, not rescue
Inhaled Corticosteroids
ICS2 medicationsAnti-inflammatory controller medications for asthma and selected COPD patients.
Combination Inhalers
COMBO4 medicationsHigh-yield mixed inhalers combining bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects.
Mucolytics and Mucoactive Therapy
MUC2 medicationsMedications that reduce secretion burden or mucus viscosity.
Pulmonary Vasodilators
PVD1 medicationsTherapies that lower pulmonary vascular tone and support oxygenation physiology.
Asthma Biologics
BIO4 medicationsTargeted monoclonal antibodies for severe asthma phenotypes.
Omalizumab
Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody
Omalizumab = Anti-IgE
Mepolizumab
Anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody
Mepolizumab = Anti-IL-5
Benralizumab
Anti-IL-5 receptor monoclonal antibody
Benralizumab = Anti-IL-5R
Dupilumab
Anti-IL-4 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody
Dupilumab = Anti-IL-4Rα
PDE-4 Inhibitors
PDE41 medicationsOral anti-inflammatory COPD therapy focused on exacerbation reduction.
Methylxanthines
METH1 medicationsOlder bronchodilator therapy with a narrow therapeutic window.
Emergency Airway Medications
EAM1 medicationsRapid airway medications used in stridor, edema, and acute obstruction scenarios.
Surfactants
SURF1 medicationsNeonatal surfactant replacement therapy for respiratory distress syndrome.