Drug Treatment COPD

Question 1

In what two ways can smooth muscle manipulate the bronchiole?

Answer 1

Bronchoconstriction

Bronchodilation

Question 2

What is the name of the receptor that causes bronchodilation?

Answer 2

Beta-2-adrenergic receptor.

Question 3

What is the acronym given to short-acting Beta-2 agonists? Name two of these.

Answer 3

SABA (Short Acting Beta Agonist)

Salbutamol

Terbutaline

Question 4

Name a LABA (Long-Acting Beta Agonist)

Answer 4

Formoterol

Question 5

Name some important side effects of SABAs. What causes them?

Answer 5

Tremor, when B2 agonists affect B2 receptors on skeletal muscle.

Tachycardia, when they affect B2 receptors on the heart.

Question 6

What are the natural ligands of:

1. Beta-2-adrenergic receptors
2. Muscarinic receptors?

Answer 6

1. Norepinephrine

2. Acetylcholine

Question 7

Name a SAMA and a LAMA. Also decode acronyms.

Answer 7

Short/Long-acting Muscarinic Antagonists

SAMA: Ipratropium
LAMA: Tiotropium

Question 8

Name a mucolytic drug. What does this do, why is it important in COPD, and what are side-effects?

Answer 8

Carbocysteine.
Thins mucous.
Important because airways narrowed by overproduction of mucous, mucolytic makes it easier to expel.
Gastric haemorrhage.

Question 9

If a prescription is changed, or a new drug added, what is it important to do?

Answer 9

Review all drugs prescribed, not just mindlessly adding on new ones.

Question 10

For what are inhaled costicosteroids used? Name one.

Answer 10

Treatment of asthmatic symptoms associated with COPD. Not all patients will respond but it is worth trying.

Budesonide [glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory effects, also used locally in GI tract]