bronchodilator

bronchodilator

 [brong″ko-di-la´tor]

1. expanding the lumina of the bronchi.

2. an agent that does this. Epinephrine is one of the most powerful bronchodilators and can be administered by injection or by aerosol. Isoproterenol (Isuprel) affects the bronchi by relieving bronchospasm through its action on smooth muscle. It is one of the most widely used aerosol bronchodilators. Other drugs used to enlarge the lumen of the bronchi and thereby facilitate breathing and removal of secretions include isoetharine, atropine, and aminophylline.

bron·cho·di·la·tor

(brong'kō-dī-lā'ter, -tōr),

1. Causing an increase in caliber of a bronchus or bronchial tube.

2. An agent that possesses this power (for example, epinephrine, albuterol).

bronchodilator

(brŏng′kō-dī-lā′tər, -dĭ-, -dī′lā-)

n.

A drug that widens the air passages of the lungs and eases breathing by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.

bronchodilator

Any agent that dilates the lumina of the upper airways to increase airflow, which is administered to wheezing patients.
 
Types
• Short-acting beta2 agonists—Inhaled agents with an early onset of action (e.g., salbutamol, which last up to 6 hours).
• Long-acting beta2 agonists—Oral agents that last up to 12 hours (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol).
• Anticholinergic—Prolonged action, lasting up to 24 hours (e.g., tiotropium); used for COPD.
• Theophylline—Long-acting; used to prevent asthma attacks.

bronchodilator

Chest medicine Any agent that dilates airway lumina, to ↑ airflow, given to wheezing Pts Examples Theophylline, aminophylline, epinephrine, Alupent, metaproterenol, isoproterenol, Ventolin, Proventil, salmeterol, pirbuterol, albuterol. See Adrenergic bronchodilator, Asthma, Wheezing.

bron·cho·di·la·tor

(brong'kō-dī'lā-tŏr)

1. Causing an increase in caliber of a bronchus.

2. An agent that possesses this power (e.g., epinephrine).

Bronchodilator

A medicine used to open up the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs.

Mentioned in: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

bron·cho·di·la·tor

(brong'kō-dī'lā-tŏr)

Agent that increases caliber of a bronchus or bronchial tube.