title: Pharmacotherapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: The pharmacologic treatment of the reversible elements of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is discussed in this article. Discussion focuses on three classes of bronchodilator drugs--the sympathomimetic agents, the methylxanthines, and the anticholinergic agents. A section on corticosteroid use in patients with chronic airflow limitation is included. An integrated approach to pharmacotherapy is suggested that allows a treatment program to be designed to meet the needs of the individual patient.
mesh_terms: D000320:Adrenergic Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000294:innervation; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D013806:Theophylline