medicines formulary respiratory system · 2012. 8. 17. · salbutamol breath-actuated inhaler...

Respiratory — Medicines Formulary, Version 7 Principal Author: Gareth Malson Updated with approvals from Wirral Drug and Therapeutics Committee: Nov 2010 Review: Nov 2013 Page 1 of 15

Medicines Formulary

Respiratory system Contents: 1. Asthma — acute exacerbations 12. Asthma — chronic 4 3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — acute exacerbations 6 4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — stable/chronic 8 5. Long-term oxygen therapy 9 6. Smoking cessation (use of nicotine replacement therapy) 10 7. Bronchiectasis 11 8. Allergy (symptomatic relief) 11 9. Allergic emergencies 11 10. Acute cough 12 11. Nasal congestion 13 12. Pulmonary fibrosis 13 13. Blocked chest drain (use of fibrinolytic drugs) 14 14. Malignant pleural effusions 14

15. Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators 15

For full information on treatment, side effects, cautions and contraindications, see electronic British National Formulary (www.bnf.org) or the relevant summary of product characteristics (www.medicines.org.uk). For information on preparing intravenous medicines for administration, see Medusa Injectable Medicines Guide for the NHS (see Clinical Guidance home page)

1. Asthma — acute exacerbations Initial treatment consists of three components:

i) Oxygen ii) Nebulised bronchodilators iii) Corticosteroids

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NOTE: If an infective cause is implicated in an exacerbation, it is usually viral. Therefore, routine prescribing of antibiotics for asthma exacerbations is not warranted. i) Oxygen Oxygen 40% to 60% via a Venturi mask or nasal cannulae. Adjust concentration to achieve a target saturation of 94–98%. NOTE: Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed on the electronic prescribing system for all inpatients. ii) Nebulised bronchodilators First choice Salbutamol 5mg, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; for life-threatening exacerbations, can be given every 15 to 30 minutes Second choice — for patients who cannot tolerate salbutamol Terbutaline 10mg, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; for life-threatening exacerbations, can be given every 15 to 30 minutes For patients with acute severe asthma or poor initial response to the treatments above — add Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours iii) Corticosteroids First choice Prednisolone 40mg, orally, stat and then daily (in the morning) for at least 5 days or until recovery Second choice, if the oral route is not available Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg, by IV injection, stat and then every 6 hours. Therapy should be reviewed daily and switched to oral prednisolone as soon as the oral route is available. Following recovery, the dose of prednisolone can be stopped abruptly unless the patient: • Is usually prescribed a maintenance dose of prednisolone • Has received treatment for longer than 3 weeks • Has received doses greater than 40mg daily • Has received repeated doses in the evenings • Has taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long-term therapy • Has received repeated courses (especially if taken for longer than 3 weeks) • Has other factors pre-disposing to adrenal suppression (eg, Addison’s disease) iv) Other treatments (on recommendation of senior medical staff ONLY) For severe or life-threatening exacerbations that are resistant to initial treatment


Magnesium sulphate 50% 1.2 to 2g, by IV infusion, in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 20 minutes as a single dose. For refractory cases Aminophylline by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advice Or Salbutamol by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advice Aminophylline: preparation and dose Loading dose: 250 to 500mg (5mg/kg), by IV infusion, as a loading dose in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over at least 20 mins. NOTE: This loading dose is not required for patients already taking theophylline. Then, for maintenance treatment: 500micrograms/kg/hour, by continuous IV infusion. Dilute 500mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9%. Prescribe with the rate specified in mL/hour (see below). Subsequent bags will need to be prescribed depending on the duration of therapy. Theophylline levels MUST be checked 12 to 24 hours after starting the infusion and the dose adjusted accordingly (therapeutic range: 10–20mg/L). For more information, see Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – theophylline and aminophylline Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 500mg/500mL solution Dose

Body weight (kg) 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

500 micrograms/kg/hour 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 NOTE: There are numerous drug-drug and drug-disease interactions with aminophylline — contact pharmacy for further advice Salbutamol: preparation and dose Starting dose: 5micrograms/minute, by continuous IV infusion. Adjust dose according to response; infusion rates of 3 to 20 micrograms/minute are usually adequate but in patients with respiratory failure higher doses may be required. Dilute 5mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5%. Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 10 micrograms/mL solution:

Dose (micrograms/minute) Infusion rate (mL/hour) 3 18 5 30

7.5 45 10 60 15 90 20 120 30 180

Discharge from hospital Prior to discharge, patients should have: ♦ Been interviewed to try to elicit the reason for the exacerbation ♦ Been taking their discharge medication for at least 24 hours ♦ Had their inhaler technique checked and recorded within their hospital notes ♦ Have a Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) that is >75% of their best or predicted flow rate and

have < 25% diurnal variability in their PEF ♦ Been prescribed a short course of oral corticosteroids and long-term treatment with

inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators

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♦ Been issued with their own peak flow meter and, whenever possible, a written action plan (a copy of this should be sent to their GP)

Follow up appointments should be arranged with: • The patient’s GP or asthma nurse within 2 working days • A respiratory clinic within 4 weeks

2. Asthma — chronic For details on the 5 stages of treatment and which medicine to choose, see the clinical guideline Asthma – chronic management (adults) Step 1 First choice Salbutamol Evohaler 100micrograms Inhale 2 puffs when required Second choice Salbutamol breath-actuated inhaler 100micrograms Inhale 2 puffs when required Or Terbutaline Turbohaler 500micrograms Inhale 1 puff when required Step 2 Beclometasone inhaler (QVAR® or Clenil Modulite® — prescribe by brand) or dry powder inhaler Inhale 100micrograms twice daily for QVAR® or 200micrograms twice daily for Clenil Modulite® NOTE: There are potency differences between brands of beclometasone inhaler Or Budesonide inhaler or Turbohaler Inhale 200 micrograms twice daily Step 3 Symbicort 200/6® Turbohaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily Or Seretide 50® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice daily Or Seretide 100® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily Or Fostair® Inhaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily Step 4 First choice Symbicort 400/12® Turbohaler Inhale 1–2 puffs twice daily Or Seretide 125® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice daily Or Seretide 250® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily

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Or Fostair® Inhaler Inhale 2 puffs twice daily Second choice Seretide 500® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily Third choice Seretide 250® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice daily Fourth choice Montelukast 10mg, orally, once daily at night Or Theophylline MR (Uniphyllin®) 200–400mg, orally, twice daily.

Methotrexate 7.5mg, orally, once weekly; increase dose up to a maximum of 15mg weekly. See shared care guideline for

Step 5 Maximise step 4 treatments and add, if required Prednisolone Orally daily (in the morning) at lowest effective dose And Consider referral for specialist respiratory opinion Severe cases (ONLY when response is poor to other treatments) NOTE: To be initiated by respiratory consultants ONLY.

Methotrexate for asthma and sarcoidosis (adults) NOTE: Unlicensed indication. And Folic acid 5mg, orally, once weekly taken 3 days after the methotrexate dose. Or Omalizumab dose as per clinical guideline For information on when to prescribe nebulisers for patients to use at home, see section 15 of this chapter (Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators).

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3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — acute exacerbations Smoking cessation Smoking cessation is the most significant intervention that can be made at any stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). See more information on smoking cessation (including nicotine replacement therapy) in the “Nicotine replacement therapy” section of Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System. Initial treatment consists of:

i) Oxygen ii) Nebulised bronchodilators iii) Corticosteroids iv) Oral antibiotics v) Other treatments

i) Oxygen Oxygen 24–28%, via a Venturi mask or nasal cannulae. Adjust concentration to achieve a target saturation of 88–92%. NOTE: Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed on the electronic prescribing system for all inpatients. ii) Nebulised bronchodilators First choice Salbutamol 5mg, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours And Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours (do not use tiotropium concurrently) Second choice — change salbutamol for Terbutaline 10mg, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; iii) Corticosteroids Prednisolone 30mg, orally, stat and then daily (in the morning) for 7 to 14 days. Or, if the oral route is unavailable Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg, by intravenous injection, stat and then every 6 hours. Therapy should be reviewed daily and switched to oral prednisolone as soon as the oral route is available. Following recovery, the dose of prednisolone can be stopped abruptly unless the patient: • Is usually prescribed a maintenance dose of prednisolone • Has received treatment for longer than 3 weeks • Has received doses greater than 40mg daily • Has received repeated doses in the evenings

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• Has taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long-term therapy • Has received repeated courses (especially if taken for longer than 3 weeks) • Has other factors pre-disposing to adrenal suppression (eg, Addison’s disease) iv) Oral antibiotics (if exacerbation is infective) Antibiotics should be prescribed if there are 2 out of the following 3 criteria present: • Increased breathlessness • Increased sputum production • Increased sputum purulence For advice on antibiotic choice, see Antibiotic Formulary. v) Other treatments (on recommendation of senior medical staff ONLY) For refractory cases Aminophylline by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advice Preparation and dose Loading dose: 250 to 500mg (5mg/kg), by IV infusion, as a loading dose in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over at least 20 mins. NOTE: This loading dose is not required for patients already taking theophylline. Then, for maintenance treatment: 500micrograms/kg/hour, by continuous IV infusion. Dilute 500mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9%. Prescribe with the rate specified in mL/hour (see below). Subsequent bags will need to be prescribed depending on the duration of therapy. Theophylline levels MUST be checked 12 to 24 hours after starting the infusion and the dose adjusted accordingly (therapeutic range: 10–20mg/L). For more information, see Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – theophylline and aminophylline Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 500mg/500mL solution Dose

Body weight (kg) 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

500 micrograms/kg/hour 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 NOTE: There are numerous drug-drug and drug-disease interactions with aminophylline — contact pharmacy for further advice For patients requiring non-invasive ventilation but for whom it is contraindicated or not available Doxapram Use the 1g/500mL (in glucose 5%) ready made infusion and give IV as follows:

• From 0–15mins: 4mg/min (120mL/hour) • From 15–30mins: 3mg/min (90mL/hour) • From 30–60mins: 2mg/min (60mL/hour) • From 60mins (until condition improves or stabilises): 1.5mg/min (45mL/hour)

Guidance on when to admit patients to ITU, when to use non-invasive ventilation and when to consider support for early discharge is under development. Discharge Planning

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• Patients should be re-established on their optimal maintenance bronchodilator therapy before discharge

• Patients that have had an episode of respiratory failure should have satisfactory oximetry or arterial blood gas results before discharge

• Patients (or carers) should be given appropriate information to enable them to fully understand the correct use of medicines (including oxygen) before discharge

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — stable/chronic Smoking cessation is the most significant intervention that can be made at any stage of COPD. For more information on smoking cessation (including nicotine replacement therapy), see the “Nicotine replacement therapy” section of the Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System For more information on diagnosing and managing COPD, see NICE clinical guideline 101: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (update). Management of this condition is categorised as:

i) Mild-to-moderate disease (FEV1 more than 50% of predicted value) ii) Severe disease (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value) iii) Symptom management iv) Chronic cough

i) Mild-to-moderate disease (FEV1 more than 50% of predicted value) Step 1 Salbutamol Inhale 2 puffs when required Or Terbutaline Inhale 1 puff when required Step 2 — add Ipratropium (20micrograms/dose) Inhale 2 puffs four times a day. A spacer device can be used if necessary. Step 3 — add Salmeterol Inhale 50micrograms (2 puffs of inhaler, 1 puff of Accuhaler) twice a day Or Formoterol Inhale 12micrograms twice a day Step 4 — add Tiotropium Inhale 18micrograms once daily (and stop ipratropium). Review tiotropium after a suitable trial ii) Severe disease (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value)

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If patient has experienced 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year First choice Symbicort® 400/12 Inhale 1 puff twice a day Or Seretide® 500 Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice a day Second choice — if the above is unsuitable, replace with Seretide® 250 MDI Inhale 2 puffs twice a day (this product is not licensed for this indication) iii) Symptom management Step 1 Salbutamol Inhale 2 puffs when required Or Terbutaline Inhale 1 puff when required Step 2

Mucolytics, such as carbocysteine, are only to be used in COPD patients with long-standing, troublesome cough and sputum. See

— add Ipratropium (20micrograms/dose) Inhale 2 puffs four times a day. A spacer device can be used if necessary. Or Tiotropium Inhale 18micrograms once daily (and stop ipratropium). Review tiotropium after a suitable trial For refractory cases Theophylline modified release 200 to 400mg, orally, twice daily. Uniphyllin® brand recommended. For further advice on dosing, contact pharmacy. iv) Chronic cough

Mucolytics — criteria for use for information on when carbocysteine should be used. Carbocisteine 750mg, orally, three times daily for 1 month. If patient reports improvement in symptoms, reduce to 750mg twice a day or 375mg four times a day and continue indefinitely. If no improvement, discontinue. For information on when to prescribe nebulisers for patients to use at home, see section 15 of this chapter (Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators).

5. Long-term oxygen therapy Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is indicated for the following conditions with chronic hypoxaemia:

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• COPD • Severe chronic asthma • Interstitial lung disease • Cystic fibrosis • Bronchiectasis • Pulmonary vascular disease • Primary pulmonary hypertension • Pulmonary malignancy • Chronic heart failure LTOT should be prescribed after appropriate assessment when the patient’s Pa02 is consistently at or below 7.3kpa when breathing air during a period of clinical stability. Clinical stability is defined as the absence of exacerbation of chronic lung disease for the previous five weeks. The level of PaC02 does not influence the need for LTOT prescription. LTOT can also be prescribed for patients who have a clinically stable Pa02

Secondary polycythaemia

between 7.3-8.0kpa, together with one of the following:

Clinical or echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension NOTE: LTOT should not be prescribed for patients with PaO2

greater than 8.0kpa. All patients requiring LTOT should be referred to the Specialist Respiratory Nurses for formal assessment:

Reference: BTS (2006) Clinical Component for the Home Oxygen Service in England and Wales.

6. Smoking cessation (use of nicotine replacement therapy) For information on smoking cessation products, see the “Smoking cessation” section (section 17) of the Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System.

Patient has PaO2 7.3kpa or less breathing room air when no longer acutely ill

Refer to Respiratory Nurse Specialists for assessment (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

Home oxygen order required in emergency out of hours

Patients requires short burst oxygen for supported discharge only

Contact Hospital Clinical Co-ordinators

Contact Respiratory Nurse Specialists (9-5 Mon-Fri) or WAPS team via switchboard 8am-12pm

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7. Bronchiectasis Further information on bronchiectasis is under development. See shared care guideline: Colistin – nebulised use in bronchiectasis (adults)

8. Allergy (symptomatic relief) Antihistamines are useful in the treatment of nasal allergies, hay fever, urticarial rashes, drug allergies and insect bites. The sedating activity of the older antihistamines (e.g. chlorphenamine) can be used to manage the pruritus associated with some allergies. Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine) cause less sedation and psychomotor impairment, though have not been shown to offer improved efficacy. Cetirizine should only be used where chlorphenamine is not appropriate. For a sedating antihistamine Chlorphenamine 4mg, orally, every 4 to 6 hours. Maximum 24mg in 24 hours. For a non-sedating antihistamine Cetirizine 10mg, orally, daily or 5mg twice daily. Primary care Use non-sedating antihistamines as first choice

9. Allergic emergencies Anaphylactic shock requires prompt treatment of laryngeal oedema, bronchospasm and hypotension. All patients should recline in a comfortable position (lying flat may be helpful for hypotension but unhelpful for dyspnoea). Consider as necessary Oxygen should be administered at high flow rates (10 to 15L per minute). For patients with clinical signs of shock, airway swelling or dyspnoea Adrenaline (epinephrine) 500micrograms by IM injection (give 0.5mL of 1 in 1,000 injection). The dose can be repeated after 5 minutes if there is no clinical improvement or if

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the patient deteriorates. In some cases several doses may be required, particularly if the improvement is transient. And Chlorphenamine 10mg, by IV or IM injection, after adrenaline has been administered. Then continue orally (4mg every 4 to 6 hours) for 48 hours to prevent relapse. NOTE: IV administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) is hazardous. It should only be used in patients with profound shock that is immediately life threatening and for special circumstances (e.g. during anaesthesia). When giving adrenaline (epinephrine) by the intravenous route, the more dilute 1:10,000 solution is used. To prevent further deterioration An intravenous corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) may help prevent further deterioration in severely affected patients and in asthmatics (who are at increased risk of severe or fatal anaphylaxis) if they have been treated with corticosteroids previously. It is of little value as first-line therapy due to its delayed onset of action. NOTE: If an allergic reaction is believed to have been caused by a medicine, document the allergy in the patient’s medical record and on the electronic prescribing system. Primary care For patients who administer their own treatment Adrenaline (epinephrine) 500 micrograms, by IM injection, as needed from pre-filled syringe (ie, Epipen®).

10. Acute cough Acute viral cough usually does not require any prescribed treatment. There is little evidence that any of the over-the-counter cough preparations have a specific pharmacological effect. Demulcent cough preparations (such as simple linctus) contain syrup or glycerol and may, in some patients, relieve a dry irritating cough. Menthol crystals may be used as an inhalation although cough suppression is acute and short lived. Simple linctus 5mL, orally, three to four times daily. The opiate antitussives (codeine and pholcodine) are no longer recommended as they have a significant adverse effect profile. Primary Care Over the counter combination preparations containing dextromethorphan or sedative antihistamines may be of use. These are not prescribable on the NHS but can be purchased over the counter. Alternatively, patients can be simply advised to use a “home remedy” such as lemon and glycerin.


Reference: The British Thoracic Society. The BTS recommendations for cough management in adults. August 2006 www.brit-thoracic.org,uk

11. Nasal congestion An oral decongestant is recommended to treat nasal congestion as it is less likely to cause rebound nasal congestion when the treatment is withdrawn (as is the case for topical nasal decongestants). Pseudoephedrine 60mg orally every four to six hours (maximum 60mg four times daily) NOTE: Oral decongestants should be avoided in patients who: • Have hypertension • Have ischaemic heart disease • Are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, phenelzine, isocarboxazide,

tranylcypromine)

12. Pulmonary fibrosis Prednisolone 0.5mg/kg, orally, daily (in the morning); tapering over 3 months to 0.125mg/kg/day And Azathioprine 2-3mg/kg, orally, daily; titrate to a maximum of 150mg/day And N-acetylcysteine 600mg, orally, three times daily (unlicensed) See the following shared care guidelines for further information: Azathioprine – orally for pulmonary fibrosis (adults) Acetylcysteine – orally for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (adults) NOTE: Osteoporosis prophylaxis should be prescribed for patients maintained long-term on oral corticosteroids. The routine prescribing of inhaled therapy has no role in managing pulmonary fibrosis. Reference: The British Thoracic Society (BTS) Interstitial Lung Disease Guideline 2008. http://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/clinical-information/interstitial-lung-disease-(dpld)/interstitial-lung-disease-(dpld)-guideline.aspx

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13. Blocked chest drain (use of fibrinolytic drugs) If a chest drain becomes blocked and pus is unable to drain, then flushing with 20 to 50mL sodium chloride 0.9% may ensure its patency. If this fails, intrapleural fibrinolytic administration may be considered for some patients to improve pleural drainage. However, intrapleural fibrinolytics should ONLY be used on the recommendation of a Respiratory Consultant. The choice of treatment depends on whether or not the patient has received streptokinase before. For patients who HAVE NOT received streptokinase before Streptokinase 250,000 units (in 50ml sodium chloride) twice a day for three days. NOTE: Give all patients a streptokinase exposure card and ensure they are aware that they should not receive streptokinase again, irrespective of its route of administration. For patients who HAVE

received streptokinase before Patients should receive alteplase or tenecteplase as an alternative (contact a Respiratory Consultant for advice on contraindications, preparation or administration). Post-fibrinolytic review — ALL patients Patients with pleural infection who require a fibrinolytic should be reviewed 5 to 7 days after initial insertion of the chest drain regarding its removal. If the patient is better (ie, fluid drained, fever and sepsis improved) then the chest drain can be removed. If the patient is not better, consider reviewing the diagnosis or consulting with a cardiothoracic surgeon. Reference and for further information: British Thoracic Society Guidelines for the Management of pleural infection. Thorax 2003;58 (Suppl II):ii18-28.

14. Malignant pleural effusions It is important that advice is sought from a Respiratory Consultant within the Trust before treating any patient with a malignant pleural effusion. All subsequent prescribing of sclerosing agents must be carried out only on the advice of a Respiratory Consultant. Sclerosing agents

Talc (sterile) slurry 4g, given intrapleurally, in 40mL sodium chloride 0.9% as a single dose (unlicensed) Or

(Respiratory Consultant initiation only)

Doxycycline 500mg, given intrapleurally, as a single dose (unlicensed)


15. Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators Before considering giving domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators: ♦ Review and confirm the diagnosis; only consider home nebulisers for severe

asthmatics or COPD patients ♦ Maximise inhaled therapy, a sequential trial of the following should be tried:

− Short-acting beta2− Long-acting beta

agonist 2

− Corticosteroids agonist

− Oral modified release theophylline preparation ♦ Explore other methods of drug administration (eg, using 1 puff of metered dose inhaler

via a spacer device, repeated 10-20 times) ♦ Review inhaler technique and compliance with therapy ♦ Demonstrate increased bronchodilation with acceptable side effects ♦ Contact Respiratory Nurses or Wirral Intermediate Care Team

Medicines FormularyRespiratory systemContents:1. Asthma — acute exacerbations 12. Asthma — chronic 43. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — acute exacerbations 64. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — stable/chronic 85. Long-term oxygen therapy 106. Smoking cessation (use of nicotine replacement therapy) 117. Bronchiectasis 118. Allergy (symptomatic relief) 119. Allergic emergencies 1110. Acute cough 1211. Nasal congestion 1312. Pulmonary fibrosis 1313. Blocked chest drain (use of fibrinolytic drugs) 1414. Malignant pleural effusions 1415. Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators 15For full information on treatment, side effects, cautions and contraindications, see electronic British National Formulary (www.bnf.org) or the relevant summary of product characteristics (www.medicines.org.uk).For information on preparing intravenous medicines for administration, see Medusa Injectable Medicines Guide for the NHS (see Clinical Guidance home page)1. Asthma — acute exacerbationsInitial treatment consists of three components:i) Oxygen ii) Nebulised bronchodilatorsiii) CorticosteroidsNOTE: If an infective cause is implicated in an exacerbation, it is usually viral. Therefore, routine prescribing of antibiotics for asthma exacerbations is not warranted.i) Oxygen Oxygen 40% to 60% via a Venturi mask or nasal cannulae. Adjust concentration to achieve a target saturation of 94–98%. NOTE: Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed on the electronic prescribing system for all inpatients.ii) Nebulised bronchodilatorsFirst choiceSalbutamol 5mg, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; for life-threatening exacerbations, can be given every 15 to 30 minutes Second choice — for patients who cannot tolerate salbutamolTerbutaline 10mg, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; for life-threatening exacerbations, can be given every 15 to 30 minutesFor patients with acute severe asthma or poor initial response to the treatments above — addIpratropium bromide 500micrograms, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hoursiii) CorticosteroidsFirst choicePrednisolone 40mg, orally, stat and then daily (in the morning) for at least 5 days or until recoverySecond choice, if the oral route is not availableHydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg, by IV injection, stat and then every 6 hours. Therapy should be reviewed daily and switched to oral prednisolone as soon as the oral route is available.Following recovery, the dose of prednisolone can be stopped abruptly unless the patient: Is usually prescribed a maintenance dose of prednisolone Has received treatment for longer than 3 weeks Has received doses greater than 40mg daily Has received repeated doses in the evenings Has taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long-term therapy Has received repeated courses (especially if taken for longer than 3 weeks) Has other factors pre-disposing to adrenal suppression (eg, Addison’s disease)iv) Other treatments (on recommendation of senior medical staff ONLY)For severe or life-threatening exacerbations that are resistant to initial treatment Magnesium sulphate 50% 1.2 to 2g, by IV infusion, in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 20 minutes as a single dose. For refractory casesAminophylline by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing adviceOrSalbutamol by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing adviceAminophylline: preparation and doseLoading dose: 250 to 500mg (5mg/kg), by IV infusion, as a loading dose in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over at least 20 mins. NOTE: This loading dose is not required for patients already taking theophylline.Then, for maintenance treatment: 500micrograms/kg/hour, by continuous IV infusion. Dilute 500mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9%. Prescribe with the rate specified in mL/hour (see below). Subsequent bags will need to be prescribed depending on the duration of therapy. Theophylline levels MUST be checked 12 to 24 hours after starting the infusion and the dose adjusted accordingly (therapeutic range: 10–20mg/L). For more information, see Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – theophylline and aminophyllineInfusion rates (mL/hour) for a 500mg/500mL solutionNOTE: There are numerous drug-drug and drug-disease interactions with aminophylline — contact pharmacy for further adviceSalbutamol: preparation and doseStarting dose: 5micrograms/minute, by continuous IV infusion. Adjust dose according to response; infusion rates of 3 to 20 micrograms/minute are usually adequate but in patients with respiratory failure higher doses may be required. Dilute 5mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5%. Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 10 micrograms/mL solution:Discharge from hospital

Prior to discharge, patients should have: Been interviewed to try to elicit the reason for the exacerbation Been taking their discharge medication for at least 24 hours Had their inhaler technique checked and recorded within their hospital notes Have a Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) that is >75% of their best or predicted flow rate and have < 25% diurnal variability in their PEF Been prescribed a short course of oral corticosteroids and long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators Been issued with their own peak flow meter and, whenever possible, a written action plan (a copy of this should be sent to their GP)Follow up appointments should be arranged with: The patient’s GP or asthma nurse within 2 working days A respiratory clinic within 4 weeks 2. Asthma — chronicFor details on the 5 stages of treatment and which medicine to choose, see the clinical guideline Asthma – chronic management (adults)Step 1First choiceSalbutamol Evohaler 100micrograms Inhale 2 puffs when requiredSecond choiceSalbutamol breath-actuated inhaler 100micrograms Inhale 2 puffs when requiredOrTerbutaline Turbohaler 500micrograms Inhale 1 puff when requiredStep 2Beclometasone inhaler (QVAR® or Clenil Modulite® — prescribe by brand) or dry powder inhaler Inhale 100micrograms twice daily for QVAR® or 200micrograms twice daily for Clenil Modulite®NOTE: There are potency differences between brands of beclometasone inhalerOrBudesonide inhaler or Turbohaler Inhale 200 micrograms twice dailyStep 3Symbicort 200/6® Turbohaler Inhale 1 puff twice dailyOrSeretide 50® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice dailyOrSeretide 100® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice dailyOrFostair® Inhaler Inhale 1 puff twice dailyStep 4First choiceSymbicort 400/12® Turbohaler Inhale 1–2 puffs twice dailyOrSeretide 125® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice dailyOrSeretide 250® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice dailyOrFostair® Inhaler Inhale 2 puffs twice dailySecond choiceSeretide 500® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice dailyThird choiceSeretide 250® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice dailyFourth choiceMontelukast 10mg, orally, once daily at nightOrTheophylline MR (Uniphyllin®) 200–400mg, orally, twice daily.Step 5Maximise step 4 treatments and add, if requiredPrednisolone Orally daily (in the morning) at lowest effective doseAndConsider referral for specialist respiratory opinionSevere cases (ONLY when response is poor to other treatments)NOTE: To be initiated by respiratory consultants ONLY. Methotrexate 7.5mg, orally, once weekly; increase dose up to a maximum of 15mg weekly. See shared care guideline for Methotrexate for asthma and sarcoidosis (adults)NOTE: Unlicensed indication.AndFolic acid 5mg, orally, once weekly taken 3 days after the methotrexate dose.OrOmalizumab dose as per clinical guidelineFor information on when to prescribe nebulisers for patients to use at home, see section 15 of this chapter (Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators).3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — acute exacerbationsSmoking cessation Smoking cessation is the most significant intervention that can be made at any stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). See more information on smoking cessation (including nicotine replacement therapy) in the “Nicotine replacement therapy” section of Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System.Initial treatment consists of:i) Oxygen ii) Nebulised bronchodilatorsiii) Corticosteroidsiv) Oral antibioticsv) Other treatmentsi) OxygenOxygen 24–28%, via a Venturi mask or nasal cannulae. Adjust concentration to achieve a target saturation of 88–92%. NOTE: Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed on the electronic prescribing system for all inpatients.ii) Nebulised bronchodilators First choiceSalbutamol 5mg, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours AndIpratropium bromide 500micrograms, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours (do not use tiotropium concurrently)Second choice — change salbutamol forTerbutaline 10mg, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; iii) CorticosteroidsPrednisolone 30mg, orally, stat and then daily (in the morning) for 7 to 14 days. Or, if the oral route is unavailableHydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg, by intravenous injection, stat and then every 6 hours. Therapy should be reviewed daily and switched to oral prednisolone as soon as the oral route is available.Following recovery, the dose of prednisolone can be stopped abruptly unless the patient: Is usually prescribed a maintenance dose of prednisolone Has received treatment for longer than 3 weeks Has received doses greater than 40mg daily Has received repeated doses in the evenings Has taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long-term therapy Has received repeated courses (especially if taken for longer than 3 weeks) Has other factors pre-disposing to adrenal suppression (eg, Addison’s disease)iv) Oral antibiotics (if exacerbation is infective) Antibiotics should be prescribed if there are 2 out of the following 3 criteria present: Increased breathlessness Increased sputum production Increased sputum purulenceFor advice on antibiotic choice, see Antibiotic Formulary.v) Other treatments (on recommendation of senior medical staff ONLY)For refractory cases Aminophylline by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advicePreparation and doseLoading dose: 250 to 500mg (5mg/kg), by IV infusion, as a loading dose in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over at least 20 mins. NOTE: This loading dose is not required for patients already taking theophylline.Then, for maintenance treatment: 500micrograms/kg/hour, by continuous IV infusion. Dilute 500mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9%. Prescribe with the rate specified in mL/hour (see below). Subsequent bags will need to be prescribed depending on the duration of therapy. Theophylline levels MUST be checked 12 to 24 hours after starting the infusion and the dose adjusted accordingly (therapeutic range: 10–20mg/L). For more information, see Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – theophylline and aminophyllineInfusion rates (mL/hour) for a 500mg/500mL solutionNOTE: There are numerous drug-drug and drug-disease interactions with aminophylline — contact pharmacy for further adviceFor patients requiring non-invasive ventilation but for whom it is contraindicated or not availableDoxapram Use the 1g/500mL (in glucose 5%) ready made infusion and give IV as follows: From 0–15mins: 4mg/min (120mL/hour) From 15–30mins: 3mg/min (90mL/hour) From 30–60mins: 2mg/min (60mL/hour) From 60mins (until condition improves or stabilises): 1.5mg/min (45mL/hour)Guidance on when to admit patients to ITU, when to use non-invasive ventilation and when to consider support for early discharge is under development.Discharge Planning Patients should be re-established on their optimal maintenance bronchodilator therapy before discharge Patients that have had an episode of respiratory failure should have satisfactory oximetry or arterial blood gas results before discharge Patients (or carers) should be given appropriate information to enable them to fully understand the correct use of medicines (including oxygen) before discharge4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — stable/chronicSmoking cessation is the most significant intervention that can be made at any stage of COPD. For more information on smoking cessation (including nicotine replacement therapy), see the “Nicotine replacement therapy” section of the Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous SystemFor more information on diagnosing and managing COPD, see NICE clinical guideline 101: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (update).Management of this condition is categorised as:i) Mild-to-moderate disease (FEV1 more than 50% of predicted value)ii) Severe disease (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value)iii) Symptom managementiv) Chronic coughi) Mild-to-moderate disease (FEV1 more than 50% of predicted value)Step 1Salbutamol Inhale 2 puffs when requiredOrTerbutaline Inhale 1 puff when requiredStep 2 — addIpratropium (20micrograms/dose) Inhale 2 puffs four times a day. A spacer device can be used if necessary.Step 3 — addSalmeterol Inhale 50micrograms (2 puffs of inhaler, 1 puff of Accuhaler) twice a dayOrFormoterol Inhale 12micrograms twice a dayStep 4 — addTiotropium Inhale 18micrograms once daily (and stop ipratropium). Review tiotropium after a suitable trialii) Severe disease (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value)If patient has experienced 2 or more exacerbations in the previous yearFirst choiceSymbicort® 400/12 Inhale 1 puff twice a dayOrSeretide® 500 Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice a daySecond choice — if the above is unsuitable, replace withSeretide® 250 MDI Inhale 2 puffs twice a day (this product is not licensed for this indication)iii) Symptom managementStep 1Salbutamol Inhale 2 puffs when requiredOrTerbutaline Inhale 1 puff when requiredStep 2 — addIpratropium (20micrograms/dose) Inhale 2 puffs four times a day. A spacer device can be used if necessary.OrTiotropium Inhale 18micrograms once daily (and stop ipratropium). Review tiotropium after a suitable trialFor refractory casesTheophylline modified release 200 to 400mg, orally, twice daily. Uniphyllin® brand recommended. For further advice on dosing, contact pharmacy.iv) Chronic coughMucolytics, such as carbocysteine, are only to be used in COPD patients with long-standing, troublesome cough and sputum. See Mucolytics — criteria for use for information on when carbocysteine should be used.Carbocisteine 750mg, orally, three times daily for 1 month. If patient reports improvement in symptoms, reduce to 750mg twice a day or 375mg four times a day and continue indefinitely. If no improvement, discontinue.For information on when to prescribe nebulisers for patients to use at home, see section 15 of this chapter (Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators). 5. Long-term oxygen therapyLong-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is indicated for the following conditions with chronic hypoxaemia: COPD Severe chronic asthma Interstitial lung disease Cystic fibrosis Bronchiectasis Pulmonary vascular disease Primary pulmonary hypertension Pulmonary malignancy Chronic heart failureLTOT should be prescribed after appropriate assessment when the patient’s Pa02 is consistently at or below 7.3kpa when breathing air during a period of clinical stability. Clinical stability is defined as the absence of exacerbation of chronic lung disease for the previous five weeks. The level of PaC02 does not influence the need for LTOT prescription.LTOT can also be prescribed for patients who have a clinically stable Pa02 between 7.3-8.0kpa, together with one of the following: Secondary polycythaemia Clinical or echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertensionNOTE: LTOT should not be prescribed for patients with PaO2 greater than 8.0kpa.All patients requiring LTOT should be referred to the Specialist Respiratory Nurses for formal assessment:Reference: BTS (2006) Clinical Component for the Home Oxygen Service in England and Wales.6. Smoking cessation (use of nicotine replacement therapy)For information on smoking cessation products, see the “Smoking cessation” section (section 17) of the Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System. 7. Bronchiectasis Further information on bronchiectasis is under development.See shared care guideline: Colistin – nebulised use in bronchiectasis (adults)8. Allergy (symptomatic relief)Antihistamines are useful in the treatment of nasal allergies, hay fever, urticarial rashes, drug allergies and insect bites. The sedating activity of the older antihistamines (e.g. chlorphenamine) can be used to manage the pruritus associated with some allergies. Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine) cause less sedation and psychomotor impairment, though have not been shown to offer improved efficacy. Cetirizine should only be used where chlorphenamine is not appropriate.For a sedating antihistamineChlorphenamine 4mg, orally, every 4 to 6 hours. Maximum 24mg in 24 hours.For a non-sedating antihistamineCetirizine 10mg, orally, daily or 5mg twice daily.Primary careUse non-sedating antihistamines as first choice9. Allergic emergenciesAnaphylactic shock requires prompt treatment of laryngeal oedema, bronchospasm and hypotension. All patients should recline in a comfortable position (lying flat may be helpful for hypotension but unhelpful for dyspnoea). Consider as necessaryOxygen should be administered at high flow rates (10 to 15L per minute). For patients with clinical signs of shock, airway swelling or dyspnoeaAdrenaline (epinephrine) 500micrograms by IM injection (give 0.5mL of 1 in 1,000 injection). The dose can be repeated after 5 minutes if there is no clinical improvement or if the patient deteriorates. In some cases several doses may be required, particularly if the improvement is transient. AndChlorphenamine 10mg, by IV or IM injection, after adrenaline has been administered. Then continue orally (4mg every 4 to 6 hours) for 48 hours to prevent relapse.NOTE: IV administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) is hazardous. It should only be used in patients with profound shock that is immediately life threatening and for special circumstances (e.g. during anaesthesia). When giving adrenaline (epinephrine) by the intravenous route, the more dilute 1:10,000 solution is used.To prevent further deteriorationAn intravenous corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) may help prevent further deterioration in severely affected patients and in asthmatics (who are at increased risk of severe or fatal anaphylaxis) if they have been treated with corticosteroids previously. It is of little value as first-line therapy due to its delayed onset of action.NOTE: If an allergic reaction is believed to have been caused by a medicine, document the allergy in the patient’s medical record and on the electronic prescribing system.Primary careFor patients who administer their own treatmentAdrenaline (epinephrine) 500 micrograms, by IM injection, as needed from pre-filled syringe (ie, Epipen®).10. Acute coughAcute viral cough usually does not require any prescribed treatment. There is little evidence that any of the over-the-counter cough preparations have a specific pharmacological effect. Demulcent cough preparations (such as simple linctus) contain syrup or glycerol and may, in some patients, relieve a dry irritating cough. Menthol crystals may be used as an inhalation although cough suppression is acute and short lived.Simple linctus 5mL, orally, three to four times daily.The opiate antitussives (codeine and pholcodine) are no longer recommended as they have a significant adverse effect profile. Primary CareOver the counter combination preparations containing dextromethorphan or sedative antihistamines may be of use. These are not prescribable on the NHS but can be purchased over the counter. Alternatively, patients can be simply advised to use a “home remedy” such as lemon and glycerin.Reference: The British Thoracic Society. The BTS recommendations for cough management in adults. August 2006 www.brit-thoracic.org,uk11. Nasal congestionAn oral decongestant is recommended to treat nasal congestion as it is less likely to cause rebound nasal congestion when the treatment is withdrawn (as is the case for topical nasal decongestants). Pseudoephedrine 60mg orally every four to six hours (maximum 60mg four times daily)NOTE: Oral decongestants should be avoided in patients who: Have hypertension Have ischaemic heart disease Are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, phenelzine, isocarboxazide, tranylcypromine)12. Pulmonary fibrosisPrednisolone 0.5mg/kg, orally, daily (in the morning); tapering over 3 months to 0.125mg/kg/day AndAzathioprine 2-3mg/kg, orally, daily; titrate to a maximum of 150mg/dayAndN-acetylcysteine 600mg, orally, three times daily (unlicensed)See the following shared care guidelines for further information:Azathioprine – orally for pulmonary fibrosis (adults)Acetylcysteine – orally for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (adults)NOTE: Osteoporosis prophylaxis should be prescribed for patients maintained long-term on oral corticosteroids.The routine prescribing of inhaled therapy has no role in managing pulmonary fibrosis.Reference: The British Thoracic Society (BTS) Interstitial Lung Disease Guideline 2008.http://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/clinical-information/interstitial-lung-disease-(dpld)/interstitial-lung-disease-(dpld)-guideline.aspx13. Blocked chest drain (use of fibrinolytic drugs)If a chest drain becomes blocked and pus is unable to drain, then flushing with 20 to 50mL sodium chloride 0.9% may ensure its patency. If this fails, intrapleural fibrinolytic administration may be considered for some patients to improve pleural drainage. However, intrapleural fibrinolytics should ONLY be used on the recommendation of a Respiratory Consultant. The choice of treatment depends on whether or not the patient has received streptokinase before.For patients who HAVE NOT received streptokinase before Streptokinase 250,000 units (in 50ml sodium chloride) twice a day for three days. NOTE: Give all patients a streptokinase exposure card and ensure they are aware that they should not receive streptokinase again, irrespective of its route of administration.For patients who HAVE received streptokinase before Patients should receive alteplase or tenecteplase as an alternative (contact a Respiratory Consultant for advice on contraindications, preparation or administration).Post-fibrinolytic review — ALL patientsPatients with pleural infection who require a fibrinolytic should be reviewed 5 to 7 days after initial insertion of the chest drain regarding its removal. If the patient is better (ie, fluid drained, fever and sepsis improved) then the chest drain can be removed.If the patient is not better, consider reviewing the diagnosis or consulting with a cardiothoracic surgeon.Reference and for further information: British Thoracic Society Guidelines for the Management of pleural infection. Thorax 2003;58 (Suppl II):ii18-28.14. Malignant pleural effusions It is important that advice is sought from a Respiratory Consultant within the Trust before treating any patient with a malignant pleural effusion. All subsequent prescribing of sclerosing agents must be carried out only on the advice of a Respiratory Consultant.Sclerosing agents (Respiratory Consultant initiation only)Talc (sterile) slurry 4g, given intrapleurally, in 40mL sodium chloride 0.9% as a single dose (unlicensed)OrDoxycycline 500mg, given intrapleurally, as a single dose (unlicensed)15. Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilatorsBefore considering giving domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators: Review and confirm the diagnosis; only consider home nebulisers for severe asthmatics or COPD patients Maximise inhaled therapy, a sequential trial of the following should be tried: Short-acting beta2 agonist Long-acting beta2 agonist Corticosteroids Oral modified release theophylline preparation Explore other methods of drug administration (eg, using 1 puff of metered dose inhaler via a spacer device, repeated 10-20 times) Review inhaler technique and compliance with therapy Demonstrate increased bronchodilation with acceptable side effects Contact Respiratory Nurses or Wirral Intermediate Care Team

Medicines Formulary

Respiratory system

Contents:

11. Asthma — acute exacerbations

42. Asthma — chronic

63. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — acute exacerbations

84. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — stable/chronic

105. Long-term oxygen therapy

116. Smoking cessation (use of nicotine replacement therapy)

117. Bronchiectasis

118. Allergy (symptomatic relief)

119. Allergic emergencies

1210. Acute cough

1311. Nasal congestion

1312. Pulmonary fibrosis

1413. Blocked chest drain (use of fibrinolytic drugs)

1414. Malignant pleural effusions

1515. Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators

For full information on treatment, side effects, cautions and contraindications, see electronic British National Formulary (www.bnf.org) or the relevant summary of product characteristics (www.medicines.org.uk).

For information on preparing intravenous medicines for administration, see Medusa Injectable Medicines Guide for the NHS (see Clinical Guidance home page)

1. Asthma — acute exacerbations

Initial treatment consists of three components:

i) Oxygen

ii) Nebulised bronchodilators

iii) Corticosteroids

NOTE: If an infective cause is implicated in an exacerbation, it is usually viral. Therefore, routine prescribing of antibiotics for asthma exacerbations is not warranted.

i) Oxygen

Oxygen 40% to 60% via a Venturi mask or nasal cannulae. Adjust concentration to achieve a target saturation of 94–98%.

NOTE: Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed on the electronic prescribing system for all inpatients.


First choice

Salbutamol 5mg, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; for life-threatening exacerbations, can be given every 15 to 30 minutes

Second choice — for patients who cannot tolerate salbutamol

Terbutaline 10mg, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours; for life-threatening exacerbations, can be given every 15 to 30 minutes

For patients with acute severe asthma or poor initial response to the treatments above — add

Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms, via an oxygen-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours


First choice

Prednisolone 40mg, orally, stat and then daily (in the morning) for at least 5 days or until recovery

Second choice, if the oral route is not available

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg, by IV injection, stat and then every 6 hours. Therapy should be reviewed daily and switched to oral prednisolone as soon as the oral route is available.

Following recovery, the dose of prednisolone can be stopped abruptly unless the patient:

· Is usually prescribed a maintenance dose of prednisolone

· Has received treatment for longer than 3 weeks

· Has received doses greater than 40mg daily

· Has received repeated doses in the evenings

· Has taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long-term therapy

· Has received repeated courses (especially if taken for longer than 3 weeks)

· Has other factors pre-disposing to adrenal suppression (eg, Addison’s disease)

iv) Other treatments (on recommendation of senior medical staff ONLY)

For severe or life-threatening exacerbations that are resistant to initial treatment

Magnesium sulphate 50% 1.2 to 2g, by IV infusion, in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 20 minutes as a single dose.

For refractory cases

Aminophylline by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advice

Or

Salbutamol by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advice

Aminophylline: preparation and dose

Loading dose: 250 to 500mg (5mg/kg), by IV infusion, as a loading dose in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over at least 20 mins.

NOTE: This loading dose is not required for patients already taking theophylline.

Then, for maintenance treatment: 500micrograms/kg/hour, by continuous IV infusion. Dilute 500mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9%. Prescribe with the rate specified in mL/hour (see below). Subsequent bags will need to be prescribed depending on the duration of therapy. Theophylline levels MUST be checked 12 to 24 hours after starting the infusion and the dose adjusted accordingly (therapeutic range: 10–20mg/L). For more information, see Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – theophylline and aminophylline

Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 500mg/500mL solution

Dose

Body weight (kg)

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

500 micrograms/kg/hour

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

NOTE: There are numerous drug-drug and drug-disease interactions with aminophylline — contact pharmacy for further advice

Salbutamol: preparation and dose

Starting dose: 5micrograms/minute, by continuous IV infusion. Adjust dose according to response; infusion rates of 3 to 20 micrograms/minute are usually adequate but in patients with respiratory failure higher doses may be required. Dilute 5mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5%.

Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 10 micrograms/mL solution:

Dose (micrograms/minute)

Infusion rate (mL/hour)

3

18

5

30

7.5

45

10

60

15

90

20

120

30

180

Discharge from hospital

Prior to discharge, patients should have:

· Been interviewed to try to elicit the reason for the exacerbation

· Been taking their discharge medication for at least 24 hours

· Had their inhaler technique checked and recorded within their hospital notes

· Have a Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) that is >75% of their best or predicted flow rate and have < 25% diurnal variability in their PEF

· Been prescribed a short course of oral corticosteroids and long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators

· Been issued with their own peak flow meter and, whenever possible, a written action plan (a copy of this should be sent to their GP)

Follow up appointments should be arranged with:

· The patient’s GP or asthma nurse within 2 working days

· A respiratory clinic within 4 weeks

2. Asthma — chronic

For details on the 5 stages of treatment and which medicine to choose, see the clinical guideline Asthma – chronic management (adults)

Step 1

First choice

Salbutamol Evohaler 100micrograms Inhale 2 puffs when required

Second choice

Salbutamol breath-actuated inhaler 100micrograms Inhale 2 puffs when required

Or

Terbutaline Turbohaler 500micrograms Inhale 1 puff when required

Step 2

Beclometasone inhaler (QVAR® or Clenil Modulite® — prescribe by brand) or dry powder inhaler Inhale 100micrograms twice daily for QVAR® or 200micrograms twice daily for Clenil Modulite®

NOTE: There are potency differences between brands of beclometasone inhaler

Or

Budesonide inhaler or Turbohaler Inhale 200 micrograms twice daily

Step 3

Symbicort 200/6® Turbohaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily

Or

Seretide 50® Evohaler Inhale 2 puffs twice daily

Or

Seretide 100® Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily

Or

Fostair® Inhaler Inhale 1 puff twice daily

Step 4

First choice

Symbicort 400/12® Turbohaler Inhale 1–2 puffs twice daily

Or


Or


Or

Fostair® Inhaler Inhale 2 puffs twice daily

Second choice


Third choice


Fourth choice

Montelukast 10mg, orally, once daily at night

Or

Theophylline MR (Uniphyllin®) 200–400mg, orally, twice daily.

Step 5

Maximise step 4 treatments and add, if required

Prednisolone Orally daily (in the morning) at lowest effective dose

And

Consider referral for specialist respiratory opinion

Severe cases (ONLY when response is poor to other treatments)

NOTE: To be initiated by respiratory consultants ONLY.

Methotrexate 7.5mg, orally, once weekly; increase dose up to a maximum of 15mg weekly. See shared care guideline for Methotrexate for asthma and sarcoidosis (adults)

NOTE: Unlicensed indication.

And

Folic acid 5mg, orally, once weekly taken 3 days after the methotrexate dose.

Or

Omalizumab dose as per clinical guideline

For information on when to prescribe nebulisers for patients to use at home, see section 15 of this chapter (Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators).

3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — acute exacerbations

Smoking cessation

Smoking cessation is the most significant intervention that can be made at any stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

See more information on smoking cessation (including nicotine replacement therapy) in the “Nicotine replacement therapy” section of Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System.

Initial treatment consists of:

i) Oxygen



iv) Oral antibiotics

v) Other treatments

i) Oxygen

Oxygen 24–28%, via a Venturi mask or nasal cannulae. Adjust concentration to achieve a target saturation of 88–92%.

NOTE: Oxygen is a drug and must be prescribed on the electronic prescribing system for all inpatients.


First choice

Salbutamol 5mg, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours

And

Ipratropium bromide 500micrograms, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours (do not use tiotropium concurrently)

Second choice — change salbutamol for

Terbutaline 10mg, via an air-driven nebuliser, stat and then every 4 to 6 hours;


Prednisolone 30mg, orally, stat and then daily (in the morning) for 7 to 14 days.

Or, if the oral route is unavailable

Hydrocortisone sodium succinate 100mg, by intravenous injection, stat and then every 6 hours. Therapy should be reviewed daily and switched to oral prednisolone as soon as the oral route is available.

Following recovery, the dose of prednisolone can be stopped abruptly unless the patient:

· Is usually prescribed a maintenance dose of prednisolone

· Has received treatment for longer than 3 weeks

· Has received doses greater than 40mg daily

· Has received repeated doses in the evenings

· Has taken a short course within 1 year of stopping long-term therapy

· Has received repeated courses (especially if taken for longer than 3 weeks)

· Has other factors pre-disposing to adrenal suppression (eg, Addison’s disease)

iv) Oral antibiotics (if exacerbation is infective)

Antibiotics should be prescribed if there are 2 out of the following 3 criteria present:

· Increased breathlessness

· Increased sputum production

· Increased sputum purulence

For advice on antibiotic choice, see Antibiotic Formulary.

v) Other treatments (on recommendation of senior medical staff ONLY)


Aminophylline by IV infusion — see below for preparation and dosing advice

Preparation and dose

Loading dose: 250 to 500mg (5mg/kg), by IV infusion, as a loading dose in 100mL sodium chloride 0.9% over at least 20 mins.

NOTE: This loading dose is not required for patients already taking theophylline.

Then, for maintenance treatment: 500micrograms/kg/hour, by continuous IV infusion. Dilute 500mg in 500mL sodium chloride 0.9%. Prescribe with the rate specified in mL/hour (see below). Subsequent bags will need to be prescribed depending on the duration of therapy. Theophylline levels MUST be checked 12 to 24 hours after starting the infusion and the dose adjusted accordingly (therapeutic range: 10–20mg/L). For more information, see Therapeutic Drug Monitoring – theophylline and aminophylline

Infusion rates (mL/hour) for a 500mg/500mL solution

Dose

Body weight (kg)

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

500 micrograms/kg/hour

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

NOTE: There are numerous drug-drug and drug-disease interactions with aminophylline — contact pharmacy for further advice

For patients requiring non-invasive ventilation but for whom it is contraindicated or not available

Doxapram Use the 1g/500mL (in glucose 5%) ready made infusion and give IV as follows:

· From 0–15mins: 4mg/min (120mL/hour)



· From 60mins (until condition improves or stabilises): 1.5mg/min (45mL/hour)

Guidance on when to admit patients to ITU, when to use non-invasive ventilation and when to consider support for early discharge is under development.

Discharge Planning

· Patients should be re-established on their optimal maintenance bronchodilator therapy before discharge

· Patients that have had an episode of respiratory failure should have satisfactory oximetry or arterial blood gas results before discharge

· Patients (or carers) should be given appropriate information to enable them to fully understand the correct use of medicines (including oxygen) before discharge

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — stable/chronic

Smoking cessation is the most significant intervention that can be made at any stage of COPD. For more information on smoking cessation (including nicotine replacement therapy), see the “Nicotine replacement therapy” section of the Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System

For more information on diagnosing and managing COPD, see NICE clinical guideline 101: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (update).

Management of this condition is categorised as:

i) Mild-to-moderate disease (FEV1 more than 50% of predicted value)

ii) Severe disease (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value)

iii) Symptom management

iv) Chronic cough

i) Mild-to-moderate disease (FEV1 more than 50% of predicted value)

Step 1

Salbutamol Inhale 2 puffs when required

Or

Terbutaline Inhale 1 puff when required

Step 2 — add

Ipratropium (20micrograms/dose) Inhale 2 puffs four times a day. A spacer device can be used if necessary.

Step 3 — add

Salmeterol Inhale 50micrograms (2 puffs of inhaler, 1 puff of Accuhaler) twice a day

Or

Formoterol Inhale 12micrograms twice a day

Step 4 — add

Tiotropium Inhale 18micrograms once daily (and stop ipratropium). Review tiotropium after a suitable trial

ii) Severe disease (FEV1 less than 50% of predicted value)

If patient has experienced 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year

First choice

Symbicort® 400/12 Inhale 1 puff twice a day

Or

Seretide® 500 Accuhaler Inhale 1 puff twice a day

Second choice — if the above is unsuitable, replace with

Seretide® 250 MDI Inhale 2 puffs twice a day (this product is not licensed for this indication)

iii) Symptom management

Step 1

Salbutamol Inhale 2 puffs when required

Or

Terbutaline Inhale 1 puff when required

Step 2 — add

Ipratropium (20micrograms/dose) Inhale 2 puffs four times a day. A spacer device can be used if necessary.

Or

Tiotropium Inhale 18micrograms once daily (and stop ipratropium). Review tiotropium after a suitable trial


Theophylline modified release 200 to 400mg, orally, twice daily. Uniphyllin® brand recommended. For further advice on dosing, contact pharmacy.

iv) Chronic cough

Mucolytics, such as carbocysteine, are only to be used in COPD patients with long-standing, troublesome cough and sputum. See Mucolytics — criteria for use for information on when carbocysteine should be used.

Carbocisteine XE "Carbocisteine" 750mg, orally, three times daily for 1 month. If patient reports improvement in symptoms, reduce to 750mg twice a day or 375mg four times a day and continue indefinitely. If no improvement, discontinue.

For information on when to prescribe nebulisers for patients to use at home, see section 15 of this chapter (Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators).

5. Long-term oxygen therapy

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is indicated for the following conditions with chronic hypoxaemia:

· COPD

· Severe chronic asthma

· Interstitial lung disease

· Cystic fibrosis

· Bronchiectasis

· Pulmonary vascular disease

· Primary pulmonary hypertension

· Pulmonary malignancy

· Chronic heart failure

LTOT should be prescribed after appropriate assessment when the patient’s Pa02 is consistently at or below 7.3kpa when breathing air during a period of clinical stability.

Clinical stability is defined as the absence of exacerbation of chronic lung disease for the previous five weeks.

The level of PaC02 does not influence the need for LTOT prescription.

LTOT can also be prescribed for patients who have a clinically stable Pa02 between 7.3-8.0kpa, together with one of the following:

· Secondary polycythaemia

· Clinical or echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension

NOTE: LTOT should not be prescribed for patients with PaO2 greater than 8.0kpa.

All patients requiring LTOT should be referred to the Specialist Respiratory Nurses for formal assessment:

Reference: BTS (2006) Clinical Component for the Home Oxygen Service in England and Wales.

6. Smoking cessation (use of nicotine replacement therapy)

For information on smoking cessation products, see the “Smoking cessation” section (section 17) of the Medicines Formulary — Central Nervous System.

7. Bronchiectasis

Further information on bronchiectasis is under development.

See shared care guideline: Colistin – nebulised use in bronchiectasis (adults)

8. Allergy (symptomatic relief)

Antihistamines are useful in the treatment of nasal allergies, hay fever, urticarial rashes, drug allergies and insect bites. The sedating activity of the older antihistamines (e.g. chlorphenamine) can be used to manage the pruritus associated with some allergies. Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine) cause less sedation and psychomotor impairment, though have not been shown to offer improved efficacy. Cetirizine should only be used where chlorphenamine is not appropriate.

For a sedating antihistamine

Chlorphenamine XE "Chlorphenamine" 4mg, orally, every 4 to 6 hours. Maximum 24mg in 24 hours.

For a non-sedating antihistamine

Cetirizine XE "Cetirizine" 10mg, orally, daily or 5mg twice daily.

Primary care

Use non-sedating antihistamines as first choice

9. Allergic emergencies

Anaphylactic shock requires prompt treatment of laryngeal oedema, bronchospasm and hypotension.

All patients should recline in a comfortable position (lying flat may be helpful for hypotension but unhelpful for dyspnoea).

Consider as necessary

Oxygen should be administered at high flow rates (10 to 15L per minute).

For patients with clinical signs of shock, airway swelling or dyspnoea

Adrenaline (epinephrine) 500micrograms by IM injection (give 0.5mL of 1 in 1,000 injection). The dose can be repeated after 5 minutes if there is no clinical improvement or if the patient deteriorates. In some cases several doses may be required, particularly if the improvement is transient.

And

Chlorphenamine 10mg, by IV or IM injection, after adrenaline has been administered. Then continue orally (4mg every 4 to 6 hours) for 48 hours to prevent relapse.

NOTE: IV administration of adrenaline (epinephrine) is hazardous. It should only be used in patients with profound shock that is immediately life threatening and for special circumstances (e.g. during anaesthesia). When giving adrenaline (epinephrine) by the intravenous route, the more dilute 1:10,000 solution is used.

To prevent further deterioration

An intravenous corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) may help prevent further deterioration in severely affected patients and in asthmatics (who are at increased risk of severe or fatal anaphylaxis) if they have been treated with corticosteroids previously. It is of little value as first-line therapy due to its delayed onset of action.

NOTE: If an allergic reaction is believed to have been caused by a medicine, document the allergy in the patient’s medical record and on the electronic prescribing system.

Primary care

For patients who administer their own treatment

Adrenaline (epinephrine) 500 micrograms, by IM injection, as needed from pre-filled syringe (ie, Epipen®).

10. Acute cough

Acute viral cough usually does not require any prescribed treatment. There is little evidence that any of the over-the-counter cough preparations have a specific pharmacological effect.

Demulcent cough preparations (such as simple linctus) contain syrup or glycerol and may, in some patients, relieve a dry irritating cough. Menthol crystals may be used as an inhalation although cough suppression is acute and short lived.

Simple linctus XE "Simple linctus" 5mL, orally, three to four times daily.

The opiate antitussives (codeine and pholcodine) are no longer recommended as they have a significant adverse effect profile.

Primary Care

Over the counter combination preparations containing dextromethorphan or sedative antihistamines may be of use. These are not prescribable on the NHS but can be purchased over the counter.

Alternatively, patients can be simply advised to use a “home remedy” such as lemon and glycerin.

Reference: The British Thoracic Society. The BTS recommendations for cough management in adults. August 2006 www.brit-thoracic.org,uk

11. Nasal congestion

An oral decongestant is recommended to treat nasal congestion as it is less likely to cause rebound nasal congestion when the treatment is withdrawn (as is the case for topical nasal decongestants).

Pseudoephedrine XE "Pseudoephedrine" 60mg orally every four to six hours (maximum 60mg four times daily)

NOTE: Oral decongestants should be avoided in patients who:

· Have hypertension

· Have ischaemic heart disease

· Are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, phenelzine, isocarboxazide, tranylcypromine)

12. Pulmonary fibrosis

Prednisolone 0.5mg/kg, orally, daily (in the morning); tapering over 3 months to 0.125mg/kg/day

And

Azathioprine 2-3mg/kg, orally, daily; titrate to a maximum of 150mg/day

And

N-acetylcysteine 600mg, orally, three times daily (unlicensed)

See the following shared care guidelines for further information:

Azathioprine – orally for pulmonary fibrosis (adults)

Acetylcysteine – orally for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (adults)

NOTE: Osteoporosis prophylaxis should be prescribed for patients maintained long-term on oral corticosteroids.

The routine prescribing of inhaled therapy has no role in managing pulmonary fibrosis.

Reference: The British Thoracic Society (BTS) Interstitial Lung Disease Guideline 2008.

http://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/clinical-information/interstitial-lung-disease-(dpld)/interstitial-lung-disease-(dpld)-guideline.aspx

13. Blocked chest drain (use of fibrinolytic drugs)

If a chest drain becomes blocked and pus is unable to drain, then flushing with 20 to 50mL sodium chloride 0.9% may ensure its patency. If this fails, intrapleural fibrinolytic administration may be considered for some patients to improve pleural drainage.

However, intrapleural fibrinolytics should ONLY be used on the recommendation of a Respiratory Consultant.

The choice of treatment depends on whether or not the patient has received streptokinase before.

For patients who HAVE NOT received streptokinase before

Streptokinase 250,000 units (in 50ml sodium chloride) twice a day for three days.

NOTE: Give all patients a streptokinase exposure card and ensure they are aware that they should not receive streptokinase again, irrespective of its route of administration.

For patients who HAVE received streptokinase before

Patients should receive alteplase or tenecteplase as an alternative (contact a Respiratory Consultant for advice on contraindications, preparation or administration).

Post-fibrinolytic review — ALL patients

Patients with pleural infection who require a fibrinolytic should be reviewed 5 to 7 days after initial insertion of the chest drain regarding its removal. If the patient is better (ie, fluid drained, fever and sepsis improved) then the chest drain can be removed.

If the patient is not better, consider reviewing the diagnosis or consulting with a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Reference and for further information: British Thoracic Society Guidelines for the Management of pleural infection. Thorax 2003;58 (Suppl II):ii18-28.

14. Malignant pleural effusions

It is important that advice is sought from a Respiratory Consultant within the Trust before treating any patient with a malignant pleural effusion. All subsequent prescribing of sclerosing agents must be carried out only on the advice of a Respiratory Consultant.

Sclerosing agents (Respiratory Consultant initiation only)

Talc XE "Talc (malignant pleural effusions)" (sterile) slurry 4g, given intrapleurally, in 40mL sodium chloride 0.9% as a single dose (unlicensed)

Or

Doxycycline XE "Doxycycline (malignant pleural effusions)" 500mg, given intrapleurally, as a single dose (unlicensed)

15. Domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators

Before considering giving domiciliary nebulised bronchodilators:

· Review and confirm the diagnosis; only consider home nebulisers for severe asthmatics or COPD patients

· Maximise inhaled therapy, a sequential trial of the following should be tried:

· Short-acting beta2 agonist

· Long-acting beta2 agonist

· Corticosteroids

· Oral modified release theophylline preparation

· Explore other methods of drug administration (eg, using 1 puff of metered dose inhaler via a spacer device, repeated 10-20 times)

· Review inhaler technique and compliance with therapy

· Demonstrate increased bronchodilation with acceptable side effects

· Contact Respiratory Nurses or Wirral Intermediate Care Team

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Contact Hospital Clinical Co-ordinators

Patient has PaO2 7.3kpa or less breathing room air when no longer acutely ill

Refer to Respiratory Nurse Specialists for assessment (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

Patients requires short burst oxygen for supported discharge only

Contact Respiratory Nurse Specialists (9-5 Mon-Fri) or

WAPS team via switchboard 8am-12pm

Home oxygen order required in emergency out of hours

PAGE

Respiratory — Medicines Formulary, Version 7

Principal Author: Gareth Malson

Updated with approvals from Wirral Drug and Therapeutics Committee: Nov 2010 Review: Nov 2013

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