Ch. 55 Drugs Acting on Lower Respiratory System

Question 1

Prototype Xanthines

Answer 1

Aminophylline

Indication:
-relief or prevention of bronchial asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated w/ chronic bronchitis & emphysema

Actions:
-directly relaxes bronchial smooth muscle = bronchodilation &increases vital capacity

Adverse Effects:

• irritability
• restlessness
• dizziness
• palpitations
• life threatening arrhythmias
• loss of appetite
• respiratory distress
• proteinuria
• fever
• flushing

Question 2

Prototype Sympathomimetics

Answer 2

Epinephrine

indications:

• treatment of anaphylactic reactions
• acute asthmatic attacks
• relief from respiratory distress of COPD & bronchial asthma

Actions:

• reacts w/ alpha & beta receptors = Bronchodilation
• increased HR
• increased respiratory rate
• increased BP

Adverse Effect:

• fear
• anxiety
• restlessness
• headache
• nausea
• decreased renal formation
• pallor
• palpitation
• tachycardia
• local burning and stinging
• rebound congestion w/ nasal inhalation

Question 3

Prototype Anticholinergic

Answer 3

Ipratropium

indication:

• maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated w/ COPD
• treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis as a nasal spray

Action:
-anatgonizes the action of acetylcholine (prevents breakdown)

Adverse Effects:

• nervousness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• gastrointestional distress
• cough
• palpitations

Question 4

Prototype Inhaled Steroid

Answer 4

Budesonide

Indication:

• prevention & treatment of asthma
• treat chronic steroid-dependent bronchial asthma
• taken before not during asthma attack

Action:

• decreases inflammatory response in the airway
• increases airflow & facilitates respiration in airway that is narrowed by inflammation

Adverse Effect:

• irritability
• headache
• rebound congestion
• epistaxis
• local infection

Question 5

Prototype Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist

Answer 5

Zafirlukast

Indication:
-prevention & long-term treatment of asthma in ADULTS and CHILDREN 5+ y/o

Actions:
-block receptors for leukotrienes, which are components of slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis, blocking airway edema & processes of inflammation in the airway

Adverse Effects:

• headache
• dizziness
• nausea
• generalized pain & fever
• infection

Question 6

Prototype Lung Surfactants

Answer 6

Beractant

Indication:
-treatment for premature babies at high risk of developing RDS

Actions:

• natural bovine compound of lipoproteins reduce surface tension & allow expansion of the alveoli
• replaces surfactant

Adverse Effect:

• patent ductus arteriosus
• intraventricular hemorrhage
• hypotension
• bradycardia
• pneumothorax
• pulmonary air leak
• pulmonary hemorrhage
• apnea
• sepsis
• infection

Note: There’s no contraindications since this medication is used as an emergency drug