Asthma Drugs

Question 1

Examples of Beta agonists

Answer 1

Salbutamol, Salmeterol

Question 2

Mechanism of action of beta agonists

Answer 2

Activate Beta receptors, increasing intracellular Ca, causing bronchodilation

Question 3

ADRs of beta agonists

Answer 3

Tachycardia, Dysrhythmia, Palpitations, Tremor

Question 4

Half-life of salbutamol

Answer 4

4hrs

Question 5

Half-life of salmeterol

Answer 5

12hrs

Question 6

DDIs of beta agonists

Answer 6

Not effective if given with beta bockers

Question 7

Mechanism of action of inhaled corticosteroids

Answer 7

Down regulate interleukin 1 and 6

Question 8

ADRs of inhaled corticosteroids

Answer 8

Sore throat, Oral thrush

Question 9

Examples of methylaxines

Answer 9

Theophyline, Aminophylline

Question 10

Mechanism of action of methylaxines

Answer 10

Antagonise adenosine receptors

Question 11

ADRs of methylaxines

Answer 11

Nausea, Vomiting, Reflux, Arrhythmia, Seizures

Question 12

DDIs of methylaxines

Answer 12

Effected by inducers and inhibitors

Question 13

Examples of anticholinergics (asthma)

Answer 13

Ipratropium bromide, Tiotropium bromide

Question 14

Mechanism of action of anticholinergics (asthma)

Answer 14

Antagonise ACh receptors reducing bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion

Question 15

ADRs of anticholinergics

Answer 15

Dry mouth, Urine retention, Glaucoma

Question 16

Management pathway for asthma

Answer 16

1. SABA
2. Add inhaled steroid
3. Add LABA
4. Increase steroids
5. Add anticholinergic, Methylaxine, or leukotriene receptor blocker
   6 Add oral steroids