Asthma & COPD Medications

Question 1

What are the three main types of drugs used to treat asthma and COPD?

Answer 1

Inhaled Beta-Agonists

Inhaled Anticholinergics/Antimuscarinics

Inhaled Corticosteriods

Question 2

What is the action of beta-agonists?

Answer 2

A stimulant that produces bronchodilation

Question 3

Name the two types of beta-agonists.

What is important to remember when ordering these meds?

Answer 3

Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABA)

Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABA)

IMPORTANT: SABAs and LABAs can be given together but NOT at the SAME TIME!!!

Question 4

Name the SABA drugs and their time of action.

Answer 4

Albuterol
Levalbuterol

• rescue drugs
• act in </= 5 mins

Question 5

Name the LABA drugs.

Answer 5

Formoterol:
- the ONLY fast-acting LABA
- can be used as a rescue med

Salmeterol
Indacaterol
Olodaterol
Vilanterol

Question 6

What is the action of anticholinergics/antimuscarinics?

Answer 6

Prevents bronchoconstriction

Question 7

Name the two types of anticholinergics/antimuscarinics.

What is important to remember when ordering these drugs?

Answer 7

Short-Acting Anticholinergics/Antimuscarinics (SAMA)

Long-Acting Anticholinergics/Antimuscarinics (LAMA)

IMPORTANT:
- HIGH risk of side effects
- NEVER give SAMAs and LAMAs together

Question 8

Name the SAMA and LAMA drugs and their peak time of action.
Describe important notes about the use of LAMAs.

Answer 8

SAMA:
- Ipratropium
- max 6 hours

LAMA:
- Tiotropium
- max 24 hours

IMPORTANT LAMA NOTES:
- LAMA is better than LABA for COPD exacerbation
- LAMA is better in combination with LABA than LAMA alone
(LAMA + LABA > LAMA)

Question 9

Name the Inhaled Corticosteriods (ICS).

Answer 9

Budesonide:
- only ICS that can be nebulized
- only ICS that doesn’t end in -sone)

Fluticasone
Mometasone
Beclomethasone