Drugs used in the treatment of respiratory diseases Flashcards
What medicines can be used in the treatment of asthma?
Short acting beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists - salbutamol
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) - beclometasone
Long acting beta 2 agonists (LABA) - salmeterol
Long acting antagonists (LAMA) - tiotropium
Leukotriene receptor antagonists - montelukast
Theophylline
Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART)
How do short acting beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists work?
Work quickly but the effect only lasts 1-2 hours.
Adrenalin acts on the smooth muscles of the airways to cause relaxation.
Results in dilatation of the bronchioles and improves the bronchoconstriction present in asthma.
They are used as “reliever” medication.
How do LABA work?
These work in the same way as short acting beta 2 agonists but have a much longer action.
How do inhaled corticosteroids work?
Reduce the inflammation and reactivity of the airways.
These are used as “maintenance” or “preventer” medications and are taken regularly even when well.
How do LAMA work?
Block acetylcholine receptors.
Acetylecholine receptors are stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system and cause contraction of the bronchial smooth muscles.
Blocking these receptors leads to bronchodilation.
How do leukotriene receptor antagonists work?
Leukotrienes are produced by the immune system and cause inflammation, bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion in the airways.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes.
How does theophylline work?
Relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and reducing inflammation.
Unfortunately it has a narrow therapeutic window and can be toxic in excess so monitoring plasma theophylline levels in the blood is required.
This is done 5 days after starting treatment and 3 days after each dose changes.
How does MART work?
Combination inhaler - a low dose inhaled corticosteroid and a fast acting LABA.
This replaces all other inhalers and the patient uses this single inhaler both regularly as a “preventer” and also as a “reliever” when they have symptoms.
