Acute Asthma Pharmacology

Question 1

What receptor causes the smooth muscle in bronchial wall to relax?

Answer 1

B2 adrenoreceptor

Question 2

What type of receptor is beta2 adrenoreceptor?

Answer 2

G coupled protein receptor

Question 3

What catecholamine is used to treat acute asthma?

Answer 3

Salbutamol

Question 4

What do Alpha1 receptors do?

Answer 4

Contract vascular smooth muscle Dilation of pupil Control pilomotor muscle (goosebumps)

Question 5

Other than the lungs where are Beta2 receptors found?

Answer 5

Uterus - salbutamol can be used to prevent premature labour.

Question 6

What do beta1 receptors do?

Answer 6

Stimulate heart rate and force.

Question 7

Bronchodilation is controlled by what receptor?

Answer 7

Beta 2

Question 8

Dopamine affects the kidneys how?

Answer 8

Relaxes renal arteries.

Question 9

Noradrenaline acts on what receptors?

Answer 9

Noradrenaline is an agonist for ALL beta and alpha receptors.

Question 10

What is noradrenaline used for?

Answer 10

Hypotension in intensive care.

Question 11

What are the unwanted effects of noradrenaline?

Answer 11

Hypertnesion, vasoconstriction, tachycardia, (or reflex bradycardia), ventricular dysrhytmias.

Question 12

Adrenaline acts on what receptors?

Answer 12

Adrenaline is an agonist for ALL beta and alpha receptors.

Question 13

What is adrenaline used for?

Answer 13

Anaphylactic shock Cardiac arrest Added to local anaesthetics

Question 14

What are the unwanted effects of adrenaline?

Answer 14

Hypertnesion, vasoconstriction, tachycardia, (or reflex bradycardia), ventricular dysrhytmias.

Question 15

Isoprenaline acts on what receptors?

Answer 15

Beta agonist receptors (non-selective)

Question 16

What is isoprenaline used for?

Answer 16

Asthma

Question 17

What are the unwanted side effects of isoprenaline?

Answer 17

Tachycardia Dysrhythmias

Question 18

Dobutamine acts mainly on what receptor?

Answer 18

Beta1 agonist

Question 19

What is dobutamine used for?

Answer 19

Cardiogenic shock

Question 20

Why are steroids also given in asthma?

Answer 20

The inflammation of the bronchial wall.

Question 21

What is the main action of steroids?

Answer 21

Binds to glucocorticoid receptor (intracellularly) -> alters transcription factors.

Question 22

Steroids are fast of slow acting?

Answer 22

Slow acting so must be administered early.

Question 23

What are the unwanted side effects of dobutamine?

Answer 23

Dysrhythmias

Question 24

Salbutamol acts on what receptors?

Answer 24

Beta2

Question 25

When in salbutamol used?

Answer 25

Asthma and premature labour

Question 26

What are the unwanted effects of salbutamol?

Answer 26

Tachycardia Dysrhythmias Tremor Peripheral vasodilation

Question 27

Hydrocortisone

Answer 27

Hydrocortisone is the name for the hormone cortisol when supplied as a medication.

Question 28

Why steroids are commonly given in cases of asthma?

Answer 28

Hydrocortisone Prednisolone

Question 29

What are the IV options for asthma?

Answer 29

IV Magnesium sulphate IV Salbutamol IV Aminophylline

Question 30

What IV treatment should you not use in adults with asthma?

Answer 30

Aminophylline

Question 31

What are the red flags in assessment of acute asthma attacks?

Answer 31

Drowsiness, confusion, silent chest.

Question 32

Managing acute exacerbations of asthma:

Answer 32

Question 33

Risk factors that increase likelihood of asthma attacks:

Answer 33

Question 34

Asthma Exacerbation: Severity (Adults)

Answer 34

Question 35

Treatment of an acute asthma attack:

Answer 35

1. Steroid - treat the inflammation
2. Oxygen
3. SABA / SAMA - inhaled/IV/Nebulised
4. Ventilatory support

Goals are to control symptoms and reduce risk of attacks.

Question 36

Asthma long term management:

Answer 36

Question 37

Summary of Asthma treatment:

Answer 37