Asthma/COPD drugs Flashcards
Systemic Coriticosteroid
Methylpredinsone
Aerosol corticosteroid
Fluticasone
B2 Adrenergic agonists
Albuterol, Salmetrol
Muscarinic Antagonists
Ipratropium Bromide, Tiotropium
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Theophylline
Leukotriene Pathway Inhibitors
Montelukast
IgE inhibitors
Omalizumab
Characteristics of Early Reaction in Asthma
Histamine and Tryptase release from mast cells, airway wall smooth muscle contraction
Characteristics of late reaction in asthma
Interleukin and TNF release from T-lymphocytes, ECP, MBP release from eosinophils, protease release from neutrophils - cell infiltration.
Maintenance drugs vs quick relief medicines
Maintenance drugs affect AIRWAY RESPONSIVENESS/REACTIVITY to PREVENT attacks.
Quick relief medications relieve bronchoconstriction. They affect AIRWAY RESISTANCE and relieve constriction DURING ATTACKS.
There is overlap between the effects.
Deposition of inhaled drugs
10-20% inhaled. The rest gets swallowed, causing systemic and side effects.
Pharmacological target of leukotriene inhibitors
Neutrophils - IgE antibodies
Pharmacological target of muscarinic antagonists
Cholinergic reflex - inhibit bronchoconstriction
Pharmacological target of B2 adrenergic agonists
B2 receptors - bronchodilation
Most effective treatment to PREVENT asthma attacks
Inhaled glucocorticoids (ICS) - like all steroids they SUPPRESS INFLAMMATION but do not cure.
Chemically speaking, how do you increase the topical activity of a corticosteroid?
Substitution at the 17 alpha carbon
How do corticosteroids suppress inflammation?
They suppress transcription of inflammatory proteins. However, this means they have no effect on the release of pre-formed mediators like histamine.
Adverse effects of inhaled steroids
Candidiasis, and dysphonia
Suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary axis - leading to bone resorbtion, skin thinning, and growth retardation.
When should you use systemic glucocorticoids?
3-10 day treatment for severe asthma exacerbations.
B2 adrenergic agonists - use and effectiveness
Short acting - rescue
long acting - ONLY USED WITH ICS - most asthmatics can be controlled with ICS and an inhaled B2 agonists.
Short acting B2 agonist
Albuterolol
Long acting B2 agonist
Salmetrerol
Adverse effects of B2 agonists
Muscle tremor, tachycardia, hypokalemia - uncommon with short acting B2 agonists.
How many times a week should an asthmatic be using a rescue inhaler if the asthma is controlled?
1-2 times per week.