PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION CHART

Medication
Oral
glucocorticosteroid
(prednisone,
prednisolone,
methylprednisolone,
dexamethasone)

Inhaled
Corticosteroid
(bedomethasone,
budesonide,
fluticasone)

Purpose
Prevent inflammation by
suppressing inflammatory
cells
Reduce airway swelling and
mucus production
Increase responsiveness of
smooth muscle B-receptors
(to help with supplementary
LABA)

Adverse Reactions
Sore throat
Hoarse voice
Thrush
Cough

Less than 2 weeks

Weight gain
Increase appetite
Mood change
Muscle cramp
Acne
>2weeks
Adrenal suppression
Immuno-suppression
Osteoporosis
Hyperglycemia
Hypertension
Weight gain
Cataracs
Glaucoma
Peptic ulcer
Ecchymosis
Avascular necrosis of the hip

Leukotriene
Antagonist
(montelukast,
zafirlukast)

Second line controller, and

used with inhaled
corticosteroid
Block leukotriene so
inflammation doesnt start
initiating

Headache
Abdominal pain
indigestion

Delivery

Oral (PO)

Metered Dose Inhaler with a spacer

1
2
3
4
5

6
7

Shake the inhaler well before use (3-4 shakes)

Breathe out, away from the spacer
Bring the spacer to your mouth, put the mouthpiece
between your teeth and close your lips around it
Press the top of your inhaler once
Breathe in very slowly until you have taken a full
breath. If you hear a whistle sound, you are
breathing in too fast. Slowly breath in.
Hold your breath for about ten seconds, then breath
out.
Repeat and remember to shake the inhaler again

Instruction to Family:
Help the child breath out and breath in slowly
Ensure to rinse the childs mouth after using to avoid
thrush

Long-Acting B2agonist (salmeterol,

formoterol)

Dilates bronchioles through

B2-adrenergic receptors
causing smooth muscle
relaxation

Non-steroidal Antiinflammatory
(nedocromil sodium,
sodium
cromoglycate)

Stops mediator release from

mast cells

Medication
Short Acting B2agonist

Purpose
Allows bronchodilation by
stimulating B2-adrenergic
receptors to relax smooth
muscles
Onset: few minutes
Peaks: 15-20 mins
Duration: 2-4 hours

dilation of bronchioles
reduce vagal tone in airways

salbutamol (Ventolin)
trbutaline (Bricanyl
Turbuhaler)
fenoterol (Berotec)
Anticholinergic
Ipratropium bromide
(Atrovent)

Tremors
Tachycardia
Headache
Palpitations
Insomnia
Headache
Stomach upset
Bad taste/ cough
Throat irritation

Adverse Reactions
Tachycardia, palpitations
Tremors
Headache
insomnia

dry mouth
bad taste
tremor

Delivery

Nebulizer:
Inhaler

Inhaler
Nebulizer