Also see Principles of Therapy for Respiratory Disease in Animals Principles of Therapy for Respiratory Disease in Animals Also see Systemic Pharmacotherapeutics of the Respiratory System. Respiratory disease is often characterized by abnormal production of secretions and exudates and by a reduced ability to remove... read more .
Drugs used to treat respiratory tract diseases fall into several categories: antitussives Antitussive Drugs in Animals The sensory and motor pathways of the cough reflex. A cough is a sudden, explosive exhalation of air that functions to clear material from the airways. Coughing is one way in which the lungs... read more 
, bronchodilators Methylxanthines The beta-adrenergic receptor agonists have beneficial effects in treatment of bronchoconstrictive respiratory tract diseases ( see Table: Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Drugs). Bronchial smooth... read more , anti-inflammatories, expectorants Expectorants and Mucolytic Drugs in Animals Expectorants and mucolytic drugs are used to increase the output of bronchial secretions, enhance the clearance of bronchial exudate, and promote a productive cough. Saline expectorants are... read more , decongestants Decongestants in Animals Decongestants are commonly used in humans to treat allergic rhinitis, but they are rarely used for this purpose in animals. The alpha-adrenergic agonist drugs cause local vasoconstriction in... read more , and respiratory stimulants Respiratory Stimulants in Animals Doxapram stimulates the medullary respiratory center and the chemoreceptors of the carotid artery and aorta to increase tidal volume. Other areas of the CNS are stimulated only when high doses... read more . In addition, antimicrobials and antifungals are important in the treatment of many respiratory diseases.
For More Information
Also see pet health content regarding drugs used to treat lung and airway disorders Drugs Used to Treat Lung and Airway Disorders Drugs used to treat respiratory conditions fall into several categories: cough suppressants, bronchodilators, expectorants, and decongestants. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are also... read more .
