Chlorine Poisoning Medication
- Author: Daniel Noltkamper, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Robert G Darling, MD, FACEP more...
Medication Summary
The goal of pharmacotherapy is to reduce morbidity and prevent complications.
Bronchodilators
Class Summary
Beta-receptor agonists that relax airway smooth muscles, causing an increase in airway diameter; specifically, the beta2-receptor is targeted.
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)
Beta-agonist useful for treatment of bronchospasm; preferred choice for initial treatment because of rapid actions.
Terbutaline (Brethaire, Brethine)
Selective beta 2-agonist relieves bronchospasm by acting on beta 2 receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscle.
Anticholinergics
Class Summary
Believed to work synergistically with bronchodilators.
Ipratropium (Atrovent)
Inhibits secretions from some respiratory mucosa; historically atropine was used in asthma, but ipratropium has fewer adverse effects.
Methylxanthines
Class Summary
Historically used to treat asthma but lost favor because of newer treatment strategies, toxic effects, and narrow therapeutic windows.
Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Aminophylline)
Believed to potentiate exogenous catecholamines administered, stimulate endogenous catecholamine release, and relax diaphragmatic musculature.
Topical anesthetic
Class Summary
Inhaled topical anesthetics have been used to reduce cough and may reduce pain associated with chlorine inhalations.
Lidocaine
Stabilizes neuronal membrane by inhibiting ionic fluxes required for initiation and conduction of impulses; provided by nebulizer, acts in areas exposed to chlorine injury.
Corticosteroids
Class Summary
These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli.
Methylprednisolone (Adlone, Depo-Medrol, Depopred, Medrol, Methylone, Solu-Medrol)
Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.
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