Asthma and COPD

Question 1

Background information for Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 1

One of the main problems in asthma and COPD is narrowed airways. When beta-receptors in the lungs are activated the airways dilate.

Question 2

Pharmacology of Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 2

Activate beta-receptors in the lungs to dilate the airways, making it easier for patients to breathe

Question 3

Indications of Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 3

• Asthma
• COPD

Question 4

Side effects of Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 4

• Tachycardia (faster beating)
• Palpitations (feeling of irregular beating in the heart)

Question 5

Drug interactions of Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 5

• Certain beta blockers can oppose the effect of inhaled beta agonists

Question 6

Important note for Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 6

• Two classes of Inhaled Beta Agonists; short and long-acting
  -Short-acting for asthma attack
• Long-acting for asthma symptoms and COPD

Question 7

List the brand names and generic names of Inhaled Beta Agonists

Answer 7

Brand Name: ProAir [Proventil and Ventolin HFA] (Short Acting), AccuNeb (Short Acting), Xopenex HFA (Short Acting), Xopenex (Short Acting), Brovana (Long Acting), Foradil Aerolizer (Long Acting), Perforomist (Long Acting), Serevent (Long Acting)

Generic Name: Albuterol (Inhaler) (Short Acting), Albuterol (Nebulizer Solution) (Short Acting), Levalbuterol (Inhaler) (Short Acting), Levalbuterol (Nebulizer Solution) (Short Acting), Arformoterol (Nebulizer Solution) (Long Acting), Formoterol (Inhlaer (Long Acting), Formoterol (Inhaler) (Long Acting), Salmeterol (Diskus/Inhaler) (Long Acting)

Question 8

Background information for Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 8

Activation of acetylcholine receptors in the lungs leads to airway constriction/narrowing

Question 9

Pharmacology of Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 9

Block activation of acetylcholine receptors, thereby reducing airway constriction

Question 10

Indications of Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 10

• COPD

Question 11

Side effects of Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 11

• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Question 12

Drug interactions of Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 12

• Patients experiencing constipation from opioid use in addition to inhaled anticholinergics can worsen constipation

Question 13

Important note for Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 13

• Anticholinergics are not effective against asthma attacks

Question 14

List the brand names and generic names of Inhaled Anticholinergics

Answer 14

Brand Name: Atrovent, Atrovent HFA, Spiriva Respimat, Spiriva HandiHaler

Generic Name: Ipratropium (Nebulizer Solution), Ipratropium (Inhaler), Tiotropium (Inhaler), Tiotropium (Capsules for inhalation)

Question 15

List the brand names and generic names of combined Anticholinergics and Short-Acting Beta Agonists

Answer 15

Brand Name: Combivent Respimat, DuoNeb

Generic Name: Ipratropium/Albuterol (Inhaler), Ipratropium/Albuterol (Nebulizer Solution)

Question 16

Background information for Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 16

Inflammation plays a major role in asthma and COPD

Question 17

Pharmacology of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 17

Block the body’s natural mechanism for the production of inflammatory mediators thus reducing inflammation

Question 18

Indications of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 18

• Asthma
• COPD

Question 19

Side effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 19

• Oral thrush
• Upper respiratory infection
• Sinusitis

Question 20

Drug interactions of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 20

• Certain drugs can increase or decrease the activity of corticosteroids

Question 21

Important note for Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 21

• Many practitioners include “rinse mouth after use” to prevent oral thrush
• Must be used consistently

Question 22

List the brand names and generic names of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Answer 22

Brand Name: Asmanex, Flovent, Pulmicort, Qvar

Generic Name: Mometasone, Fluticasone, Budesonide, Beclomethasone