Handbook of Critical Care Drug Therapy

Editors: Susla, Gregory M.; Suffredini, Anthony F.; McAreavey, Dorothea; Solomon, Michael A.; Hoffman, William D.; Nyquist, Paul; Ognibene, Frederick P.; Shelhamer, James H.; Masur, Henry

Title: Handbook of Critical Care Drug Therapy, 3rd Edition

Copyright 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

> Table of Contents > Chapter 4 - Pulmonary Therapies

Chapter 4

Pulmonary Therapies

TABLE 4.1. Asthma Therapeutic Options

Agents Dosage
Inhaled Agonists
Albuterol 2.5 mg (0.5 ml) diluted in 2 3 ml 0.9% NaCl q2 6h

10 15 mg/h (2 3 ml) diluted to a minimum of 4 ml at gas flow of 6 8 L/min (see Table 4.4)

Levalbuterol 0.63 1.25 mg

q2 6h

Subcutaneous Agonists
Epinephrine 0.3 mg (0.3 ml)
Terbutaline 0.25 mg (0.25 ml)
Anticholinergic Agents See Tables 4.2 and 4.3
Theophylline See Table 4.5
Corticosteroids
Methylprednisolone or 60 125 mg q6 8h
Hydrocortisone or 2 mg/kg q4h
Hydrocortisone 2 mg/kg then 0.5 mg/kg/h
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Beclomethasone 40 160 g twice daily
Budesonide 200 800 g twice daily
Flunisolide 500 1,000 g twice daily
Fluticasone MDI: 88 220 g twice daily

PWD: 100 1,000 g twice daily

Triamcinolone 200 g 3 to 4 times daily or 400 g twice daily
IV, intravenous; MDI, metered dose inhaler; PO, by mouth; PWD, powder

P.73

Route Formulation Comment
Nebulized

Continuous nebulization

0.5% solution

0.5% solution

The frequency of intermittent agonist administration will vary with the severity of illness of the patient; in severely ill patients, the initial interval may be hourly
Nebulized 0.63 mg/3 ml

1.25 mg/3 ml

No greater benefit over albuterol in acutely ill, critically ill, or mechanically ventilated patients; clinical effects similar to albuterol
Subcutaneous 1:1000 solution May be considered in patients who do not respond to inhaled agonists; may repeat dose every 15 min as needed up to 3 doses
Subcutaneous 1 mg/ml A second dose may be given after 20 min if necessary
IV/PO    
IV 40, 62.5 mg/ml  
IV 50 mg/ml  
IV

Continuous infusion

   
MDI MDI: 40, 80 g/puff May be considered as an adjunct to systemic steroid therapy initially; initial dose may be higher
MDI MDI: 200 g/puff  
MDI MDI: 250 g/puff  
MDI, Rotadisk

Diskus

MDI: 44, 110, 220 g/puff

PWD: 50, 100, 250 g/puff

 
MDI MDI: 100 g/puff  

P.74

TABLE 4.2. Antibronchospastic Agents Metered Dose Inhalers

Agent 2/ 1 Potency Dose Per Actuation Recommended Dosage/Interval
Inhaled -Adrenergic Agents
Albuterol ++++/ 90 g* 1 2 puffs q2 6h
Salmeterola See note    
Anticholinergic Agents
Ipratropium bromide 18 g 2 4 puffs q2 6h
Albuterol and ipratropium ++++/

90 g*

18 g

2 puffs, 4 daily
Tiotropium 18 g One capsule, inhaled once daily

Individual capsules used for each dose

The dosing interval may vary depending on the severity of illness of the patient. The dose may need to be higher for patients on mechanical ventilation (i.e., 4 8 puffs q2 6h).

aSalmeterol is indicated for prophylactic use in chronic stable asthma and is not recommended for the treatment of acute bronchospasm. For maintenance of bronchodilatation and prevention of the symptoms of asthma, the usual dose is 2 puffs (42 g) twice (in the morning and evening) daily.

*Dose delivered in terms of 90 g of albuterol base.

P.75

TABLE 4.3. Antibronchospastic Agents Nebulized Drugs

Agent 2/ 1 Potency Formulations Dosage
-Adrenergic Agentsa
Albuterol ++++/ 0.5% solution 2.5 5 mg diluted in 2 3 ml 0.9% NaCl q2 6h
      Continuous nebulization; see Table 4.4
Levalbuterol ++++/ 0.63 mg/3 ml

1.25 mg/3 ml

0.63 1.25 mg q2 6h
Anticholinergic Agents
Ipratropium bromide 0.02% solution 500 g diluted in 2 5 ml 0.9% NaCl q6 8h
Albuterol and Ipratropium ++++/

Ipratropium 0.5 mg and albuterol 3 mg/3 ml 3 ml q6h
Atropine Sulfate 1 mg/ml injectable preparation 2.5 5 mg diluted in 2 3 ml 0.9% NaCl q3 5h
Glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg/ml injectable preparation 2 mg diluted in 2 3 ml 0.9% NaCl q6h
aDosing interval depends on the status of the patient, but in severe asthma it may be as frequent as q1 2h under medical supervision.

P.76

TABLE 4.4. Antibronchospastic Agents Continuous Nebulization

Use the guidelines below ( 20%) for 1 hour of nebulization. For prescribed dose of 10 mg/h at 15 L/min flow, add 2 mL albuterol (5 mg/mL) to 48 mL saline for 50 mL/h output. For multiple hours of operation, multiply by the number of hours desired.
Continuous Nebulizer HEART
  High Flow
Desired dose (mg/h) 5 10 15 5 10 15
Albuterol 5 mg/mL (mL) 1 2 3 1 2 3
Saline (mL) 29 28 27 49 48 47
Flow rate = Output 10 L/min = 30 mL/h 15 L/min = 50 mL/h
Continuous Nebulizer UniHEART IV
  Low Flow
Desired dose (mg/h) 5 10 15 5 10 15
Albuterol 5 mg/mL (mL) 1 2 3 1 2 3
Saline (mL) 3 2 1 8 7 6
Flow rate = Output 2 L/min = 4 mL/h 4 L/min = 9 mL/h
Continuous Nebulizer MiniHEART
  Very Low Flow
Desired dose (mg/h) 2.5 5 7.5 10 12.5 15
Albuterol 5 mg/mL (mL) 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Saline (mL) 7.5 7 6.5 6 5.5 5
Flow rate = Output 2 L/min = 8 mL/h

P.77

TABLE 4.5. Theophylline/Aminophylline Dosing

  Theophylline Aminophylline Comments
Loading Doses
No prior theophylline or aminophylline 5 mg/kg IV over 30 min 6 mg/kg IV over 30 min Theophylline = 80% aminophylline

Loading dose administered over 30 min

Prior theophylline or aminophylline Estimate Estimate Theophylline 1 mg/kg IV/PO increases the serum concentration 2 mg/L; aminophylline 1.2 mg/kg IV/PO increases the serum concentration 2 mg/L; therapeutic range 10 20 mg/L
Maintenance Infusion
Adults (smokers) 0.72 mg/kg/h 0.9 mg/kg/h Maximum doses: theophylline 900 mg/d, aminophylline 1,080 mg/d
Adults (nonsmokers) 0.48 mg/kg/h 0.6 mg/kg/h  
Adults (heart failure, liver disease, cor pulmonale) 0.24 mg/kg/h 0.3 mg/kg/h Maximum doses: theophylline 400 mg/d, aminophylline 480 mg/d
IV, intravenous; PO, by mouth

P.78

TABLE 4.6. Theophylline/Aminophylline Drug Interactions

Drugs that Decrease Theophylline/Aminophylline Clearance/Metabolism (Serum Levels Rise) Drugs that Increase Theophylline/Aminophylline Clearance/Metabolism (Serum Levels Fall) Drugs whose Activity is Decreased by Theophylline/Aminophylline
Amiodarone Carbamazepine Adenosine
Cimetidine Pentobarbital Benzodiazepines
Ciprofloxacin Phenobarbital Hydantoins
Clarithromycin

Disulfiram

Enoxacin

Phenytoin

Rifampin

Rifabutin

Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
Erythromycin Ritonavir  
Fluvoxamine Ticlopidine  
Interferon    
Ketoconazole    
Mexiletine    
Norfloxacin    
Oral contraceptives    
Propranolol    
Troleandomycin    
Verapamil    

P.79

TABLE 4.7. Upper Airway Obstruction Nonspecific Therapies

Therapy Indication Dosage/Route Comments
Helium 80% oxygen 20% mixture Partially obstructed airway Inhalation Limits FiO2 to maximum O2 concentration in mixture

Decreases turbulence of airflow

Helium/oxygen also available in helium 70% oxygen 30% mixture

Dexamethasone Decreases airway edema 4 10 mg IV q6h Antitumor effect on certain anterior mediastinal tumors

Prophylactic for postextubation trauma, surgical trauma; efficacy controversial

Radiation Shrinks tumor   Anterior mediastinal tumors; tissue diagnosis may be required
Racemic epinephrine Decreases swelling of airway mucosa 0.5 ml of 2.25% solution in 2 5 ml 0.9% NaCl inhaled q1 4h prn Vasoconstrictor; may precipitate angina
Endotracheal intubation Fully obstructed airway

Partially obstructed airway and respiratory failure

Prohibitively increased work of breathing

Oral or nasal endotracheal intubation

Surgical access: cricothyroidot- omy (for rapid access) or tracheostomy

Technique of choice depends on experience of operator, although surgical access may be required

Caution: sedatives, anesthetics, or neuromuscular blockade may convert a partially obstructed airway to a totally obstructed airway

P.80

TABLE 4.8. Mucolytic Agents

Agent Formulations Dosage/Interval/Comments
N-acetylcysteine 10%, 20% solutions Nebulization: 3 5 ml of 20% solution or 6 10 ml of 10% solution tid or qid

Instillation: 1 2 ml of 10% or 20% solution tid or qid

Administer after aerosolized agonist to prevent bronchospasm

20% solution of N-acetylcysteine should be diluted 1:1 with normal saline

Dornase recombinant 2.5 ml ampule containing 1 mg/ml Nebulization: 2.5 ml qd using a recommended nebulizer. (Hudson T Up-draft II and disposable jet nebulizer, Marquest Acorn II in conjunction with Pulmo-Aide compressor, Pari LC Jet+ nebulizer in conjunction with the Pari PRONEB compressor)

The effects of dornase on respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis patients >21 years old may be smaller than younger patients, and twice daily dosing may be required in these patients

Dornase may be continued or initiated during acute respiratory exacerbations, although the benefit of dornase during acute respiratory exacerbations is unknown

Saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) 1 g/ml 0.3 0.6 ml (300 600 mg) PO tid or qid
Guaifenesin 100 mg/5 ml, 200 mg/5 ml solutions 100 400 mg PO qid
PO, by mouth

P.81

TABLE 4.9. Sclerosing Agents for Pleurodesis

Agent Dosage Dilution Comments/Side Effects
Doxycycline 500 1,000 mg 0.9% NaCl 25 100 ml Fever, chest pain
Talc insufflation 2 10 g   Pain, fever, hypotension; talc insufflation may be done in conjunction with thoracoscopy
Antineoplastic Agents
Bleomycin 60 U 0.9% NaCl 50 100 ml Do not exceed 40 U/m2 in elderly patients, significant systemic absorption, GI side effects, pain, fever
Cisplatin and cytarabine Cisplatin 100 mg/m2 and cytarabine 1,200 mg (mixed together) 0.9% NaCl 250 ml Use depends on antineoplastic activity rather than on irritative properties; myelosup- pression; GI side effects
Doxorubicin 10 100 mg 0.9% NaCl 10 100 ml Increased toxicity compared with tetracyclines, pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
Fluorouracil 2 3 g 0.9% NaCl 50 100 ml Leukopenia 7 10 d after instillation
Mechlorethamine 10 30 mg 0.9% NaCl 10 100 ml Increased toxicity compared with tetracyclines, nausea, vomiting, pain, fever, leukopenia
Thiotepa 0.6 0.8 mg/kg 0.9% NaCl 50 100 ml Less irritating than other agents
GI, gastrointestinal

Local anesthetics such as 1% lidocaine may be added to the sclerosing solution to reduce pain (up to a total dose of 400 mg).

P.82

TABLE 4.10. Loculated Pleural Effusion Thrombolytic Therapy

Agent Dosage Comments
Alteplase, recombinant 2 50 mg in 50 120 ml 0.9% NaCl Pleuritic chest pain may be treated with analgesics

Risk of bleeding complications, avoid concurrent anticoagulation

Most common adult dose is 50 mg

Directions for use:
  1. The optimal dosage of thrombolytic agent, duration of therapy, and effectiveness remain to be determined.
  2. The volume of agent administered should be adjusted based on the size of the effusion.
  3. After the agent is instilled into the pleural space, the chest tube should be clamped and the patient rotated in several positions to permit adequate drug distribution throughout the pleural space.
  4. The chest tube should remain clamped for 0.5 to 4 hours.
  5. After the chest tube is unclamped, the chest tube should be put on suction and the contents of the pleural space evacuated.
  6. The volume of the fluid returned should be determined. (Note: the volume of the dose instilled must be subtracted from the volume returned.)

P.83

TABLE 4.11. Pulmonary Embolism Therapy

Agent Loading Dosage Maintenance Dosage Comments
Anticoagulants
Heparin sulfate 80 U/kg IV bolus 18 U/kg/h for at least 7 d Check aPTT 6 h after therapy initiated; maintain aPTT 1.5 2.5 baseline

Heparin clearance is increased in pulmonary embolism compared with deep venous thrombosis

Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding or heparin- induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis

See Table 8.7 for weight-based dosing.

Warfarin 5 10 mg/d 2 7.5 mg/d Therapy may start on the 2nd day of heparinization

Dosage should be adjusted to maintain PT 1.5 2 baseline PT (INR 2 3)

Use for 3 6 m to prevent recurrent pulmonary emboli unless there are persisting risk factors for hemorrhage

Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding and in pregnancy

Decrease loading and maintenance in presence of liver disease.

See Table 8.6

Enoxaparin 1 mg/kg q12h Warfarin therapy started on day 1 of therapy

No need to monitor aPTT

Equally effective with less risk of bleeding compared with unfractionated heparin

Tinzaparin 175 anti-Xa U/kg daily Treatment for at least 5 d until anticoagulated with warfarin
Thrombolyticsa     Indications include severe hypoxemia or hemodynamic instability

See Table 8.7

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) 100 mg IV over 2 h   Contraindicated in patients with active bleeding, severe hypertension, trauma, recent stroke or surgery, or any hemorrhagic disease
aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time; INR, international normalization ratio; IV, intravenous; PT, prothrombin time

aThe conventional indication for thrombolytic therapy is massive pulmonary embolism, characterized by one or more of the following abnormalities: (a) angiographic evidence of pulmonary artery occlusion of at least 40%; (b) hypotension with systolic arterial pressure <90 100 mm Hg; (c) syncope; (d) echocardiographic evidence of right ventricular dysfunction.

Категории