title: Pharmacotherapy of respiratory muscles.
abstract: This article assesses the role of pharmacotherapy in the management of respiratory muscle dysfunction. It focuses on two classes of drugs, the methylxanthines and the sympathomimetic agents. A prospective section focuses also on the particularities of the diaphragm among the skeletal striated muscles. In addition, a new approach to respiratory pharmacotherapy, which may be beneficial in patients with respiratory muscle dysfunction, is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Clinique Pneumologique, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aubier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002110:Caffeine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D013566:Sympathomimetics; D002110:Caffeine; D013806:Theophylline