Medications for ARDS

The following drugs may be administered:

• Antibiotics to treat infection

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation in the lungs in the late phase of ARDS or sometimes if the person is in septic shock

• Diuretics to eliminate fluid from the lungs

• Drugs to counteract low blood pressure that may be caused by shock

• Anti-anxiety drugs to relieve anxiety

• Inhaled drugs administered by respiratory therapists to open up the airways (bronchodilators)