Block 2

Question 1

Beta-2 adrenergic agonists

Answer 1

salbutamol (short-acting), terbutaline (short-acting), salmeterol (long-acting), formoterol (long-acting)

Stimulation of airway smooth muscle relaxation via beta adrenergic activation

Question 2

Anti-muscarinics/Anticholinergics

Answer 2

ipratropium (short-acting), tiotropium (long-acting), glycopyrronium (long-acting)

Blockade of muscarinic receptors of cholinergic activity in airway smooth muscle leading to muscle relaxation

Question 3

Methylxanthines

Answer 3

theophylline, aminophylline

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase, increasing cellular cAMP

Question 4

Glucocorticoids

Answer 4

beclomethasone, prednisolone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone

Activation of glucocorticoid receptors in immune cells, reducing airway inflammation

Question 5

Leukotriene receptor antagonists

Answer 5

montelukast, zafirlukast

Blockade of proinflammatory leukotriene signalling

Question 6

ACE inhibitors

Answer 6

ramipril

Inhibits conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Reduces vasoconstriction

Question 7

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)

Answer 7

Losartan, valsartan

Blockade of cell signalling induced by angiotensin II

Question 8

Beta adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta blockers)

Answer 8

bisoprolol, atenolol (cardioselective, beta-1 antagonist)
propranolol (both beta-1 and beta-2 antagonist)

Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors on cardiomyocytes, reducing inotropy & chronotropy

Question 9

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (statins)

Answer 9

atorvastatin, simvastatin

Inhibition of mavelonate metabolism in cholesterol synthesis pathway

Question 10

Calcium channel antagonists (for heart failure and hypertension)

Answer 10

nifedipine, amlodipine Blockade of L-type calcium channels, promoting vasodilation

Question 11

Nitrate vasodilators

Answer 11

glycerol trinitrate (GTN) and isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN)

Release of nitric oxide – relaxation of vascular smooth muscle in coronary arteries and veins

Question 12

Anti-muscarinic (for emergency bradycardia treatment)

Answer 12

atropine

Blockade of cardiac muscarinic receptors

Question 13

Sympathomimetics

Answer 13

noradrenaline, dobutamine, adrenaline

Stimulation of cardiac inotropy and chronotropy

Question 14

Neprilysin inhibitors (used with an ARB drug)

Answer 14

sacubitril (used with valsartan)

Inhibition of natriuretic peptide breakdown, promoting natriuresis and reduced cardiac preload

Question 15

Antiplatelet drugs

Answer 15

aspirin (COX inhibitor), clopidogrel (ADP receptor antagonist)

Reduce the activation of platelets to prevent thrombosis:
Inhibition of thromboxane A2 production (aspirin)
Blockade of platelet ADP receptors (clopidogrel)

Question 16

Anticoagulants - heparin

Answer 16

unfractionated heparins,
low molecular weight heparins -dalteparin, tinzaparin

Enhances action of natural antithrombin III to inhibit thrombin and coagulation cascade