Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
Therapeutic, toxic, and lethal concentrations of 73 drugs affecting respiratory system in human fluids
1National Institute of Toxicology, Seville, Spain. kuhn@cica.es
Background:
Drugs affecting the respiratory system are an important group of pharmaceutical specialties in poisoning with relatively high frequency.
Methods:
As a continuation of our published studies on the concentrations of drugs of abuse and drugs affecting cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems, we have reviewed the published data to select respiratory drugs on the basis of conservative criteria and our own experience.
Results:
A compilation of the concentrations of 73 drugs affecting the respiratory system--in whole blood, serum/plasma, and urine, and corresponding to therapeutic, toxic, or lethal concentrations--is given.
Conclusions:
The table presented can be helpful in interpretation of the concentrations of this group of medicines encountered in clinical, toxicologic, and forensic cases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Drug Toxicity: Overview
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

