Drugs

Question 1

What are bronchodilators?

Answer 1

Drugs that relax bronchial muscles, relieving bronchospasm and breathlessness.

Question 2

Types of bronchodilators?

Answer 2

Beta2 agonists, Antimuscarinics, Xanthines.

Question 3

What do Beta2 agonists do?

Answer 3

Promote smooth muscle relaxation via B2 receptors.

Question 4

Types of Beta2 agonists?

Answer 4

Short-acting (SABAs) and Long-acting (LABAs).

Question 5

SABAs: Use, side effects & examples?

Answer 5

Rapid symptom relief (15-30 mins).

Side effects:
* tremor
* tachycardia
* hypokalaemia.

Examples:
* Salbutamol
* Terbutaline.

Question 6

LABAs: Use, side effects & examples?

Answer 6

Long-lasting (12+ hrs), added if symptoms persist despite steroids.

Side effects similar to SABAs.
* tremor
* tachycardia
* hypokalaemia.

Examples:
* Salmeterol
* Formoterol.

Question 7

What do Antimuscarinics/Anticholinergics do?

Answer 7

Block acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors to relax smooth muscle.

Question 8

Types of Antimuscarinics?

Answer 8

Short-acting (SAMAs) & Long-acting (LAMAs).

Question 9

Side effects of Antimuscarinics?

Answer 9

• Dry mouth
• cough
• headache
• GI disturbances

Question 10

Examples of Antimuscarinics?

Answer 10

SAMA: Ipratropium;
LAMA: Tiotropium

Question 11

What do Xanthines do?

Answer 11

Inhibit phosphodiesterase → smooth muscle relaxation.

Question 12

Side effects of Xanthines?

Answer 12

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tachycardia, arrhythmias.

Question 13

What are corticosteroids used for?

Answer 13

Reduce inflammation, bronchospasm, oedema, and mucus secretion.

Question 14

Why must corticosteroids be used regularly?

Answer 14

Protective effects build over time.

Question 15

Side effects of corticosteroids?

Answer 15

Oral thrush, adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, skin thinning, mood changes

Question 16

Examples of corticosteroids?

Answer 16

Inhaled: Beclometasone, Budesonide, Fluticasone. Oral: Prednisolone. IV: Methylprednisolone.

Question 17

What is combination therapy?

Answer 17

ICS + LABA inhalers for better symptom control.

Question 18

Examples of combination therapy?

Answer 18

Fostair (Beclometasone + Formoterol)
Symbicort (Budesonide + Formoterol)
Seretide (Fluticasone + Salmeterol)

Question 19

What are mucolytics?

Answer 19

Drugs that reduce sputum viscosity to aid clearance.

Question 20

Examples of mucolytics?

Answer 20

Inhaled: Hypertonic saline, Dornase alpha, Acetylcysteine. Oral: Carbocisteine.

Question 21

How are antibiotics chosen?

Answer 21

Based on likely causative agent & patient condition.

Question 22

Examples of common antibiotics?

Answer 22

Amoxicillin (Penicillin), Clarithromycin (Macrolide).

Question 23

Side effects of antibiotics?

Answer 23

Penicillins: Anaphylaxis, diarrhoea, fever. Macrolides: GI discomfort, nausea, vomiting

Question 24

What are inhaled medications?

Answer 24

Aerosolized drugs delivered directly to the respiratory tract.

Question 25

Advantages of inhaled medications?

Answer 25

Rapid action, localized effect, fewer systemic side effects.

Question 26

Disadvantages of inhaled medications?

Answer 26

Reduced lung deposition in airflow obstruction, drug loss in mouth/throat.

Question 27

Types of inhalers?

Answer 27

Aerosol (MDI, Easi-breathe, Autohaler, Respimat), Dry Powder (Turbohaler, Accuhaler, Ellipta, Handihaler).

Question 28

What are spacers used for?

Answer 28

Improve MDI delivery, reduce drug loss in throat, minimize coordination issues.

Question 29

What do nebulisers do?

Answer 29

Convert liquid medication into an inhalable mist.

Question 30

Flow rate for nebulisers?

Answer 30

6-8 L/min.

Question 31

Benefits of nebulisers?

Answer 31

Easier for breathless patients, can use mouthpieces or masks.