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Table 2 Considerations for common therapeutic agents used in the treatment of dyspnea

From: Considerations for initial therapy in the treatment of acute heart failure

Agent

AHF

COPD

Pneumonia

Vasodilator

+

â—‹

â—‹

Inotrope

+a

–

–

Diuretic

+

–

–

Bronchodilator

–

++

+

Corticosteroid

â—‹

++

–

Antibiotic (macrolides)

–

–

++

Noninvasive ventilation

++

++

++

  1. aRisk increases in ischemic cardiomyopathy
  2. AHF acute heart failure, COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, + generally indicated, ++ strongly indicated, ○ no associated risk but not indicated, − associated risk
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Critical Care

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