Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Class: Sympathomimetic, bronchodilator.
Mechanism of Action:
Selective b-2 agonist which stimulates adrenergic receptors of the sympathomimetic nervous system resulting in smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchial tree and peripheral vasculature.
Epinephrine (1:1000, 1:10,000)
Class: Sympathomimetic.
Mechanism of Action
Direct acting alpha and beta agonist
Alpha: bronchial, cutaneous, renal and visceral arteriolar vasoconstriction.
Beta 1: positive inotropic and chronotropic actions, increases automaticity.
Beta 2: bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and dilation of skeletal vasculature Blocks histamine release.
Hydrocortisone sodium succinate (Cortef, Solu-Cortef)
Class: corticosteroid.
Mechanism of Action
Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation Replaces absent glucocorticoids Immunosuppressive effects.
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
Class: Bronchodilator
Mechanism of Action: Blocks the action of acetylcholine at the parasympathetic sites in bronchial smooth muscle causing bronchodilation.
Magnesium sulfate
Class: Electrolyte.
Mechanism of Action
Reduces striated muscle contractions and blocks peripheral neuromuscular transmission by reducing acetylcholinesterase release at the myoneural junction; manages seizures in toxemia of pregnancy; induces uterine relaxation; can cause bronchodilation after beta agonists and anticholinergics have been used.
Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol)
Class: corticosteroid.
Mechanism of Action
Suppresses acute and chronic inflammation Replaces absent glucocorticoids Immunosuppressive effects.
Racemic epinephrine / racepinephrine (micronEFRIN, S2)
Class: Sympathomimetic
Mechanism of Action:
Stimulates beta-2 receptors in the lungs: bronchodilation with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles. Reduces airway resistance. Useful in treating laryngeal edema; inhibits histamine release.