Chapter 44: Respiratory medications

Question 1

what do bronchodilators do?

Answer 1

-they are sympathomimetic agents meaning they mimic the effects of the SNS
-relax airway smooth muscles by stimulating beta 2 receptors =bronchodilation
-inhibit release of brochoconstriciting substances from mast cells
-increased mucuocilary transport

Question 2

how are bronchodilators classified as?

Answer 2

-B2 agonist or bronchodilators are classified by the duration of their action:
-SABA: short acting, immediate onset, used for acute attacks,rescure inhaler
-intermediate: slow onset, last about 8 hours
-LABA: long acting, slow onset, lasts up to 12 hours
-bronchodilators do not txt inflammation

Question 3

what are dangerous side effects of bronchodilators?

Answer 3

-tachycardia (at high doses, beta 2 agonist might also activate beta 1 receptors = increase in HR)
-tremors : beta 2 stimulation causes vasodilation = more blood flow to skeletal muscles = tremors
-chest pain : can indicate underlying conditions like myocardium ischemia

Question 4

what are drug interactions of bronchodilators?

Answer 4

Beta blockers (opposing effects)
MAOIs( monoamine oxidase inhibitors )
Thyroid hormone: hyper causes the effects of bronchodilators to be stronger
Avoid caffeine

Question 5

what are contraindications for anticholinergics

Answer 5

-hypersensitivity to soya lecithin, soy beans, peanuts
-BPH
-narrow angle glaucoma
-renal disorders,
-urinary tract obstruction

Question 6

what do inhaled corticosteroids do?

Answer 6

-most effective for long term control of astham
-suppress inflammation w/o major adverse effects
-long term use of inhaled steroids may affect bones but minimal compare to oral

Question 7

what do mucolytics do?

Answer 7

-break down mucous
-increases clearance of sputuum
-decreases tenancity of mucous
-eg. mucomyst or acetycysteine
-given an a nebulizer, pill form for oral or Iv