[Emergency drugs in respiratory disorders. A choice of commonly used substances]

For the emergency care of respiratory disorders, in addition to clearing of the airways and keeping them open, drug treatment has an important role to play. The bronchodilatory effect of beta-sympathicomimetics brings about a marked decrease in the resistance to flow, but potential cardiovascular side effects must be considered. In the case of theophylline, the solvent, ethylene diamine has its own pharmacodynamic effects that can make it necessary to select different theophylline preparations. The drugs with a primarily cardiac effect, nitroglycerin, dobutamine and dopamine can produce pulmonary relief. Furosemide is specifically indicated for pulmonary edema. In addition to experience in the use of emergency drugs, an appropriate basic knowledge of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics is indispensable.