Breathing and Airway Medications

Albuterol is a short acting bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is a medication that widens the airways by relaxing the smooth muscle that surrounds them.

It stimulates beta 2 receptors on airway muscle cells. These receptors signal the muscle to relax, reversing bronchoconstriction, which means tightening of the airway.

It rapidly improves airflow during asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.

Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator. Anticholinergic means it blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that normally signals airway muscles to contract.

It blocks muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle, reducing ongoing constriction.

When combined with albuterol, it enhances bronchodilation through a complementary mechanism.

Epinephrine is used in severe allergic reactions that cause airway swelling and breathing difficulty. In anaphylaxis, the immune system releases chemicals that cause airway edema, meaning swelling from fluid accumulation, and bronchoconstriction.

Epinephrine stimulates alpha receptors, which tighten blood vessels and reduce swelling, and beta 2 receptors, which relax airway muscle.

It reverses airway obstruction by both decreasing swelling and widening the airway.

Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. Corticosteroids suppress immune signaling molecules called cytokines, which drive swelling and tissue irritation.

In asthma and allergic reactions, inflammatory edema narrows the airway from the inside.

Steroids reduce this inflammation over hours and lower the risk of relapse.

Magnesium sulfate is given intravenously in severe asthma exacerbations. An exacerbation means a sudden worsening of symptoms.

Magnesium affects calcium movement inside smooth muscle cells. Calcium is required for muscle contraction. By limiting calcium activity, magnesium promotes airway relaxation.

It is used when standard bronchodilators are not sufficient.