Drugs for Asthma and COPD

Question 1

Describe beta-2 agonists MOA, Uses, and AE

Answer 1

*Short Acting (SABA):
Albuterol
Levalbuterol
*Long Acting (LABA):
Salmeterol
Formoterol
*MOA: Beta-2 agonists are medications that primarily act on the beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to
bronchodilation.
*Clinical uses: COPD and Asthma
*AE: tachycardia, palpitations and tremors,

Question 2

Describe anticholinergics (parasympatholytics) MOA, clinical uses, and SE

Answer 2

Ipratropium bromide (short acting, SAMA)
Tiotropium bromide (Long acting, LAMA)
*MOA: Inhibit muscarinic cholinergic receptors, preventing
bronchoconstriction and reducing mucus secretion in the airways.
* Clinical uses: COPD and Asthma
*Side Effects: Dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision,
constipation, tachycardia

Question 3

Describe corticosteroids MOA, clinical uses, and SE

Answer 3

Inhaled:
Beclomethasone
Budesonide
Fluticasone
Oral: Prednisone or IV methylprednisolon used as a short-term treatment for severe asthma exacerbations and COPD flare-ups.
*MOA: Corticosteroids decrease inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors which regulates the
transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, which reduces inflammatory mediators.
*Clinical uses:
― In asthma, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the primary maintenance therapy for persistent asthma to control inflammation and prevent symptoms.
― In COPD, ICS are generally reserved for patients with frequent exacerbations or those with an asthmatic component. Often combined with LABAs or LAMA
* SE: Oral thrush, osteoporosis, weight gain, increases risk for infections

Question 4

Describe Leukotriene modifiers MOA, clinical uses, and SE

Answer 4

Leukotriene receptor agonists (LTRAs): Montelukast, Zafirlukast
5-Lipooxygenase inhibitor: Zileuton
*MOA: Leukotriene modifiers either block leukotriene receptors
(antagonists) or inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase
*Clinical uses: Asthma
*Side Effects: Headache, Stomach upset, mood changes (Montelukast)
and elevated liver enzymes (Zileuton)

Question 5

what are typical course of treatments for COPD?

Answer 5

*Bronchodilators (anticholinergics and beta agonists to relax muscles of the airways)
*Steroids to reduce inflammation
*Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors (Roflumilast)
*Oxygen therapy

Question 6

What is the typical course of treatment for asthma?

Answer 6

*Relievers: Short acting bronchodilators (beta 2 adrenergic agents, anticholinergics)
*Controllers: corticosteroids, long acting bronchodilators (beta 2 adrenergic agents, methylxanthines)
*Leukotriene inhibitors
*mast cell stabilizers