| Drug Class |
Anticholinergic |
| Mechanism |
Blocks ACh - inhibit parasympathetic pathway which is responsible for smooth muscle contraction. |
| Typical Dose |
250-500 micrograms 3-4 times a day of neb |
| Indications |
- Reversible airway obstruction (particularly COPD)
- Severe/life-threatening asthma
- Acute bronchospasm
|
| Contra-indications |
Caution: prostatic hyperplasia, bladder outflow obstructions, patients at risk of glaucoma |
| Side-effects |
Arrhythmias, constipation, cough, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea |
| Interactions |
- Avoid with clarithromycin/erythromycin
- ↑ risk of side effect antidepressants
- ↓ effect of sublingual nitrates (due to dry mouth)
|
| Elimination |
|
| Additional Notes |
|
ALPHA