10 - Drugs & Asthma/COPD Flashcards
What is COPD?
- Slowly progressive airway obstruction due to chronic inflammation
- Includes chronic bronchitis (inflammation of bronchi) and emphysema (destruction of alveolar structures)
What are clinical sx of COPD?
- Cough
- Mucous hypersecretion
- Dyspnea (SOB)
What is asthma?
- Chronic inflammatory disorder of airways
- Recurring episodes of hyper-responsiveness to stimuli that causes bronchoconstriction
- Based on triggering stimuli characterized as extrinsic (allergenic) or intrinsic (non-allergenic)
What are the clinical sx of asthma?
Recurring episodes of cough, wheezing, tight chest, and dyspnea
What occurs in extrinsic asthma?
- External stimuli (dust, mold, pollen, animal dander) trigger plasma cells to produce antigen specific IgE antibodies
- Allergen and IgE bind to mast cells => degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators
- Allergens usually have some glycoproteins that immune cells recognize as an antigen
What are some non-allergenic factors that can trigger asthma?
Anxiety, stress, cold air, dry air, smoke, exercise
What is the mechanism of intrinsic asthma?
- Not completely understood
- Abnormalities in autonomic regulation of airway functions
- Involvement of innate immune system
- ACh is released during stress, and stimulates muscarinic receptors which control smooth muscle of bronchi
What are the acute and prolonged responses of asthma?
- Acute = bronchoconstriction (w/in minutes)
- Prolonged = vasodilation, mucous secretion, edema, and bronchoconstriction (occurs hours later)
Which symptoms of asthma and COPD can be helped w/ drug therapy?
- Excessive airway smooth muscle tone
- Inflammation
- Mucous plugging
- Pulmonary edema
- Non-productive cough
Which drugs are bronchodilators?
- Beta-adrenergic agonists
- Methylxanthines
- Anticholinergics
- Leukotriene modifiers
Which drugs are anti-inflammatory agents?
- Corticosteroids
- Mast cell stabilizers
- Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody
- Leukotriene modifiers
What are bronchodilators?
Agents that interact w/ smooth muscle cells lining the airways and relax smooth muscles
Examples of beta-adrenergic agonists used for asthma and COPD
- Albuterol/salbutamol
- Terbutaline
- Salmeterol
Example of methylxanthine used for asthma and COPD
Theophylline
Examples of anticholinergics used for asthma and COPD
- Tiotropium
- Ipratropium
Examples of leukotriene modifiers used for asthma and COPD
- Zileuton
- Zafirlukast
- Montelukast
What is the symp NS effect on bronchiole smooth muscle?
Beta 2 receptor causes bronchodilation
What is the para NS effect on bronchiole smooth muscle?
Muscarinic receptor (M3) causes bronchoconstriction and increased secretions
Describe how the para NS causes bronchoconstriction
ACh binds to M3 receptors => activation of Gq => PLC activation => increased DAG and IP3 hydrolysis => increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ => Ca2+-calmodulin activates myosin, which binds to actin => contraction
What effect does adenosine have on Ca2+ levels?
Adenosine increases Ca2+ levels
Describe how the symp NS causes bronchodilation
Activation of beta 2 receptor => activation of Gs => adenylyl cyclase activation => ATP converted into cAMP => PKA activation => decrease in cytoplasmic Ca2+ and prevents myosin binding to actin => dilation/relaxation
What is the MOA of beta agonists for asthma?
Stimulate adenylyl cyclase => increased formation of cAMP which relaxes airway smooth muscle
How are beta agonists administered for asthma?
Typically via inhalation (terbutaline can be administered subcutaneously and in tablet form and albuterol can be administered in tablet)
Which beta agonists are long acting and which are short acting?
- Short acting = albuterol and terbutaline
- Long acting = salmeterol
What is the drug of choice for acute asthma attacks?
Albuterol inhaler
What is the drug of choice for severe asthma attacks?
Subcutaneous injection of terbutaline or epinephrine may be required along w/ corticosteroids
Why are beta agonists recommended to be administered w/ corticosteroids for asthma?
Prevent development of desensitization and promote efficacy of beta agonists
What are adverse effects of beta agonists?
- Beta 1 receptors on heart may get stimulated, causing tachycardia
- Skeletal muscle tremor
- Tolerance
What are drug interactions w/ beta agonists?
Propranolol for HTN or other heart conditions