Inhalation of drugs

Rau JL. The inhalation of drugs advantages and problems. Respir Care. 2005 50 367-382. 

However, smoking may increase the risk of other hazardous effects caused by pyrolytic products that are not associated with other modes of administration. Studies of the volatility and inhalation of drugs of abuse can provide important infonnation for developing guidelines to predict their abuse potential upon inhalation. 

Bloomfleld P, Crompton GK, Winsey NJP. A tube spacer to improve inhalation of drugs from pressurised aerosols. Br Med J 1979 2 1479. 

Environmental sourees of partieles, inhalation of drugs, and the reaction of the lungs to pollutants have individually been the subject of several volumes in the Lung Biology in Health and Disease series, but this volume is novel in the sense that it eovers all of these aspeets. The particle-lung interactions are... 

Narcosis Narcosis is a state of deep stupor or unconsciousness, produced by a chemical substance, such as a drug or anesthesia. Inhalation of certain chemicals can lead to narcosis. For example, diethyl ether and chloroform, two common organic solvents, were among the first examples of anesthesia known. Many other chemicals that you would not suspect can also cause narcosis. For example, even though nitrogen gas comprises 80% of the air we breathe and is considered chemically inert (unreactive) it can cause narcosis under certain conditions. Always work with adequate inhalation and avoid inhaling chemical fumes, mists, dusts etc. whenever possible. Use fume hoods and respirators as necessary. 

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an autosomal-dominant pharmacogenetic disorder that is triggered by exposure to inhalation of general anesthetics, such as halothane. In susceptible individuals, these drugs can induce tachycardia, a greatly increased body metabolism, muscle contracture and an elevated body temperature (above 40°C) with a rapid rate of increase. Many cases of MH are linked to a gene for type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyRl). 

A patient is prescribed 2 inhalations of zanamivir. The drug is available as one 5-mg blister per inhalation and is to be given with a Disklialer device. How many milligrams will the nurse administer witii 2 inhalations ... 

PATIENTS TAKING CORTICOSTEROID INHALANTS If the patient is receiving a sympathomimetic bronchodilator by inhalation and a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone by inhalation, die nurse administers the bronchodilator first, waits several minutes, then administers die corticosteroid inhalant. When administering two inhalations of die same drug, it is advisable to wait at least 1 minute between puffs. 

To properly instruct the patient in administration of drug via a metered-dose inhaler, the nurse must be aware of general instructions for use for all metered-dose inhalers and three common methods of rise holding the lips around the mouthpiece, holding the inhaler away from the mouth, and rising a spacer or extender. 

To monitor the amount of drug in a metered-dose inhaler, you can periodically place the canister in a container of water. The figure shows the positioning of the canister with various amounts of medication remaining in the canister. (Adapted from the American Uung Assoaation. [1993]. Understanding lung medications How they work—how to use them, p. 4)... 

Dohrn CS, Lichtor JL, Finn RS, et al Subjective and psychomotor effects of nitrous oxide in healthy volunteers. Behav Pharmacol 3 19-30, 1992 Dohrn CS, Lichtor JL, Coalson DW, et al Reinforcing effects of extended inhalation of nitrous oxide in humans. Drug Alcohol Depend 31 263-280, 1993 Evans AC, Raistrick D Phenomenology of intoxication with toluene-based adhesives and butane gas. Br J Psychiatry 130 769-773, 1987 Evans EB, Balster RL CNS depressant effects of volatile organic solvents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 13 233—241, 1991... 

Evans EB, Balster RL Inhaled 1,1,1-trichloroethane-produced physical dependence in mice effects of drugs and vapors on withdrawal. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 264 ... 

Fielding, B. (1989). Drug delivery to the lungs and systemic circulation by inhalation of liposome based formulations, in Proc. 32nd Annual Meeting Western Pharmacology Society. Brecken-ridge, Colorado, January 1989. In Press. 

Review of drug therapy (dosages, adherence, inhaler technique, effectiveness, adverse effects, and drug interactions)... 

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