Name a common anticholinergic medication used in the management of COPD.

Study for the Respiratory Therapy Pharmacology Test. Excel with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Ipratropium bromide is a commonly used anticholinergic medication for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors in the airways, leading to bronchodilation and improved airflow. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for COPD patients, who often experience bronchoconstriction and mucus hypersecretion. Ipratropium is frequently administered via nebulization or metered-dose inhalers, providing quick relief of acute bronchospasm and facilitating better respiratory function.

While other agents listed can also be used to manage COPD, they belong to different classes of medications. Aclidinium bromide and tiotropium are also anticholinergics but are often considered more long-acting options compared to ipratropium. Formoterol, on the other hand, is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that works through a different mechanism, targeting beta-adrenergic receptors to induce bronchodilation.

Given these aspects, ipratropium bromide's established role in acute and maintenance therapy makes it a cornerstone in the pharmacological management of COPD, supporting its identification as a common anticholinergic medication in

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy