Short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs) are a core bronchodilator drug class you’ll see constantly in COPD care. In this lecture from This is Why, Dr. Busti will learn about short-acting muscarinic antagonists (SAMAs) are a core bronchodilator drug class you’ll see constantly in COPD care—and on exams like the NCLEX. In this lecture, you’ll learn exactly how SAMAs work, when to use them, and what safety pearls can help you avoid common clinical pitfalls in COPD.

You’ll learn how to:

• Mechanism of action: muscarinic (M3) blockade → decreased bronchoconstriction
• Key drug: ipratropium (Atrovent)
• Common combinations: ipratropium/albuterol (DuoNeb, Combivent)
• Clinical uses: COPD maintenance/symptom relief, COPD exacerbation support, select asthma situations (often as add-on therapy in acute care)
• Routes & devices: MDI vs nebulized treatments, dosing frequency, and practical inhaler/neb pearls
• Adverse effects & warnings: dry mouth, cough, urinary retention (BPH), blurry vision/precipitating angle-closure symptoms if sprayed into eyes, and other anticholinergic considerations
• High-yield comparisons: SAMA vs LAMA (where tiotropium and other long-acting agents fit)

The goal = make medical education easy and clinically relevant.

Access bonus materials and downloads from this episode at: https://www.thisiswhy.health/topics/sama-short-acting-muscarinic-antagonist-ipratropium-bronchodilator

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Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition and never delay care because of educational content.