Asthma & COPD Medications Flashcards
What are the medication options for Asthma & COPD?
- Beta2 agonists (long and short-acting)
- Inhaled anticholinergics (long and short-acting)
- Inhaled glucocorticoids
- Methylxanthines
Beta 2 agonist and Methylxanthines overview
help open up the airways
anticholinergics overview
block muscarinic receptors. This prevents bronchoconstriction, causing airways to open.
inhaled glucocorticoids overview
prevent inflammation in the airways
Beta 2 Agonists that you should know (hint: -terol)
- Albuterol
- Levalbuterol
- Formoterol
- Salmeterol
Albuterol & Levalbuterol common uses
-are short-acting beta2 agonists (SABAs)
-They start working in about five minutes and last a few hours. This makes them ideal as “rescue” medications for when clients are having active respiratory problems.
Formoterol and Salmeterol Common Uses
-are long-acting beta2 agonists (LABAs)
-They have a slower onset of action but last for 12 hours. These are frequently used for COPD but can be used for asthma.
LABAs should only be used if ____
combined with another medication (e.g., a corticosteroid or long-acting anticholinergic)
Beta 2 Agonists Mechanism of Action
These medications trigger beta2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, causing the smooth muscle around the bronchioles to relax, causing them to open (bronchodilation).
LABA Monotherapy Warning (Beta 2 Agonists)
There’s a significantly increased risk of death and hospitalization if clients are only prescribed long-acting beta2 agonists by themselves
Inhaled Anticholinergic Medications you should know (hint: -tropium)
- Ipratopium
- Tiotropium
Ipratropium Common Uses
short-acting anticholinergic. Like the SABAs it has a short onset of action and can be given as needed for COPD.
Tiotropium Common Uses
long-acting anticholinergic. It’s used as a “controller” for COPD. Inhaled anticholinergics aren’t commonly used for asthma.
Inhaled Anticholinergic Mechanism of Action
When you are at rest, acetylcholine triggers muscarinic receptors in your airway. This causes bronchoconstriction. These medications block muscarinic receptors, causing bronchodilation.
Inhaled Anticholinergic side effects
dry mouth
hoarseness
What are the Inhaled Glucocorticoid (controllers) Medications that you should know (hint: “-sone”)
- Budesonide
- Fluticasone
- Mometasone
Inhaled Glucocorticoid Common Uses
These inhaled formulations are used for asthma and COPD. They are especially effective for asthma. However, they take a week or more to work.
Inhaled Glucocorticoids Mechanism of Actions
Glucocorticoids prevent the immune system from creating chemical triggers of inflammation. This reduces the inflammation of airway mucosa.
Inhaled Glucocorticoids side effects
-oral candidiasis/thrush (fungal infection in mouth)
*patients should rinse mouth after using this med
Montelukast Common Uses
-mainly prescribed for asthma.
-Sometimes it is also prescribed for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- meant for maintenance therapy. It is not a rescue or as-needed medication.
Montelukast Mechanism of Action
blocks leukotriene receptors
Montelukast High Yield Concepts
-usually well tolerated
-reports of mood changes or suicidal ideation (neuropsychiatric effects)
-usually taken at bedtime
Theopyline belongs to a group of drugs called
methylxanthines
Theophyline Common Uses
-commonly prescribed for asthma and COPD.
-Current guidelines recommend using beta2 agonists and anticholinergics instead due to narrow therapeutic index
