Asthma + COPD Flashcards
Pathophysiology
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The pathophysiology of asthma involves the following components: airway inflammation, intermittent airflow obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
Signs and symptoms
Asthma
SOB
Chest tightness or pain
Wheezing when exhaling
Rationale for drug use
Asthma
Symptom control and relief.
Prevention of exacerbations, acute asthma and death.
Improve and maintain lung function and quality of life
Step 1 asthma treatment criteria and drugs
Symptoms <2 times / month
SABA reliever puffer (salbutamol)
Step 2 asthma management criteria and drugs
Suitable for most new pts
ICS (low maintenance dose) + SABA (reliever as needed)
Budesonide + Salbutamol
Step 3 asthma criteria and treatment
Low dose ICS (budenoside) + fomoterol (LABA) + SABA (salbutamol)
Used for frequent use of inhaler (more than 2 times a week
Suffix
Beta2 agonist
LABA
terol
SABA
Salbutamol
terbutaline
Two kinds of Beta2 agonists
Short acting SABA
Long acting LABA
Generic names
Beta2 agonists
SABA
Salbutamol
Terbutaline
LABA
Formoterol
Indacaterol
Salmeterol
MOA
Beta 2 agonists
Relax bronchial smooth muscle by stimulating beta2 adrenoreceptors.
Indication
SABA
Symptom relief of asthma and COPD
Prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Indication
LABA
- Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients receiving inhaled or oral corticosteroids (except olodaterol)
- COPD
Precautions
Beta 2 agonists
Cardiovascular disorders (including hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias)—risk of cardiovascular adverse effects.
Diabetes—risk of hyperglycaemia with high doses.
Treatment with other sympathomimetic amines—may increase adverse effects (tremor, tachycardia, headache); avoid combination or adjust dose as necessary.
Adverse effects
Beta2 agonists
tremor, palpitations, headache
Hyperglycemia in high doses
Practice points
Beta2 agonists
- high or increasing** usage of SABAs** indicates poorly controlled asthma and requires review of management
- check inhaler technique and compliance regularly, especially when asthma control is poor
- withhold LABA (24–36 hours) and SABA (4 hours if possible) before diagnostic spirometry; see details in the Spirometry Quick Reference Guide at the National Asthma Council Australia website
Drug class and indication
Formoterol
Beta2 agonist - LABA
* Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients receiving inhaled or oral corticosteroids
* Symptom relief of asthma in patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids and regular formoterol
* COPD
Drug class and indication
Indacaterol
Beta2 agonist - LABA
COPD
Drug class and indication
Indacaterol with glycopyrronium
Beta2 agonist (LABA) + Anticholinergics
COPD
Drug class and indication
Indacaterol with glycopyrronium and mometasone
Beta2 agonist (LABA) + Anticholinergic + corticosteroids
Maintenance treatment of severe asthma inadequately controlled with a combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist
Drug class and indication
Indacaterol with mometasone
Beta2 agonist (LABA) + corticosteroids
Maintenance treatment of asthma when use of an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist is appropriate
Drug class and indication
Salbutamol
Beta2 agonist (SABA)
* Symptom relief of asthma and COPD
* Prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Drug class and indication
Salmeterol
Beta2 agonist (LABA)
* Maintenance treatment of asthma in patients receiving inhaled or oral corticosteroids
* COPD
Drug class and indication
Terbutaline
Beta 2 agonist (SABA)
* Symptom relief of asthma and COPD
* Prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Drug interactions
Beta2 agonists
beta-blockers + beta2 agonists
Beta-blockers antagonise the therapeutic effects of beta2 agonists and may precipitate asthma; seek specialist advice if the combination is felt necessary as a selective beta-blocker may be suitable.
theophylline + beta2 agonists
Theophylline can potentiate hypokalaemia induced by high doses of beta2 agonists; monitor patients with severe asthma closely for hypokalaemia.
Combination with other sympathomimetic amines may overload sympathetic nervous system = tremors, tachycardia
Suffix
Corticosteroids
“asone” or “sonide”
Generic drug names
Corticosteroids
Beclometasone (inhaled)
Budesonide (inhaled)
Ciclesonide (inhaled)
Fluticasone furoate (inhaled)
Indication
Corticosteroids
Maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD
MOA
Corticosteroids
Reduce airway inflammation and bronchial hyper-reactivity.