FINALS: RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Flashcards
What are the main components of the upper respiratory tract?
Nose, turbinates, sinuses, nasopharynx, pharynx, tonsils, Eustachian tube, larynx.
What are narcotic antitussives?
Medications like codeine, morphine, and heroin used to suppress cough.
What is the action of non-narcotic antitussives like dextromethorphan?
Suppresses cough without the risk of addiction associated with narcotics.
What is the main function of mucolytic agents like acetylcysteine?
To reduce the thickness and stickiness of pulmonary secretions.
What are common expectorants and their action?
Guaifenesin, Ambroxol, Bromhexine; they liquefy respiratory secretions and reduce viscosity.
List some common adverse effects of first-generation antihistamines.
Sedation, dizziness, antimuscarinic effects, GIT disturbances.
What are the advantages of using oral decongestants?
Longer duration of action, less rebound congestion, and dependence.
Name a common adverse effect of expectorants.
GI symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headache.
What are the effects of α-adrenoceptor agonists in decongestants?
They constrict arterioles in the nasal mucosa, reducing airway resistance.
What are the main types of antihistamines and their primary action?
First-generation (e.g., diphenhydramine) and second-generation (e.g., loratadine); they block H1 receptors to reduce allergic symptoms.
What is the mechanism of action of antihistamines?
They block histamine-1 receptors, leading to CNS depression and reduced allergic responses.
What are the contraindications for using dextromethorphan?
Pregnancy and lactation.
What are the peak plasma concentrations and duration of action for codeine?
Peak plasma concentration: 1-2 hours; Duration of action: 4 hours.
What are the potential adverse effects of acetylcysteine (Fluimucil)?
Hemoptysis, respiratory irritation, nausea, tremors.
What is the clinical use of codeine as an antitussive?
It is used for non-productive cough relief.
What are common diseases of the upper respiratory tract?
Common colds, seasonal rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis.
What is the action of carbocisteine as a mucolytic agent?
It regulates and normalizes the viscosity of respiratory secretions, decreasing mucus production.
What are some adverse effects associated with codeine?
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, pruritus, tolerance, and physical dependence.
Name some drug interactions with dextromethorphan.
Penicillin, tetracycline, salicylates, phenobarbita
How does dextromethorphan differ from codeine in terms of use?
Dextromethorphan is used for chronic non-productive cough, while codeine is for non-productive cough relief.
List some common adverse effects of carbocisteine.
GIT bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, headache, palpitations.
What is the mechanism of action for α-adrenoceptor agonists used in decongestants?
They reduce airway resistance by constricting nasal arterioles.
What are some adverse effects of α-adrenoceptor agonists?
Nervousness, tremors, insomnia, dizziness, hypertension, rebound congestion.
Name the classes of drugs used to treat upper respiratory diseases.
Antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics, decongestants, antihistamines.
What are the disadvantages of using aerosol decongestants?
Rapid onset but may lead to rebound nasal congestion.
Name some first-generation H1-receptor antagonists.
Diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, brompheniramine.
What is a common use for second-generation antihistamines?
To treat allergic reactions with less sedation than first-generation antihistamines.
How do antihistamines provide relief from motion sickness?
By blocking H1 receptors, they reduce nausea and vestibular disturbances.
What is the primary mechanism by which acetylcysteine works?
It breaks disulfide bonds in mucoproteins, reducing the viscosity of respiratory secretions.
What are the clinical uses of acetylcysteine?
Antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases, and diagnostic aid in bronchial studies.
What is the main pathogenesis of asthma?
Inflammatory cell recruitment leads to airway inflammation and narrowing, along with bronchial smooth muscle contraction and vascular leakage.
Name three types of reliever medications used in asthma management.
1) Muscarinic antagonists (inhaled anticholinergics), 2) β₂-agonists (sympathomimetic agents), 3) Theophylline (a methylxanthine).
What are the key symptoms of bronchial asthma?
Recurrent cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing.
What are long-acting β₂-agonists used for in asthma?
To prevent bronchospasm, especially at night or during exercise.
What is the role of anti-IgE antibodies in asthma treatment?
They reduce the amount of IgE bound to mast cells, helping to control allergic reactions that trigger asthma.
Which two drugs prevent mast cell degranulation in asthma?
Cromolyn and Nedocromil.
What routes of administration are common for asthma medications?
Inhalation, oral, and parenteral.
Name two short-acting β₂-agonists used in asthma.
Albuterol (Salbutamol) and Metaproterenol.
What is the mechanism of action of muscarinic antagonists like Ipratropium in asthma?
They inhibit the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors, reducing bronchospasm.
What are some adverse effects of β₂-adrenergic agonists?
Tremors, tachycardia, arrhythmias, vasoconstriction, and hypoxemia
What is the role of corticosteroids in asthma treatment?
They reduce bronchial reactivity and inhibit inflammatory cell activity, particularly for long-term control.
What adverse effect is associated with inhaled corticosteroids in asthma?
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush) and hoarseness.
What is the clinical use of leukotriene receptor antagonists like Montelukast in asthma?
As an add-on therapy for mild-to-moderate asthma, and an alternative to medium-dose inhaled glucocorticoids.
Name an adverse effect of Theophylline at toxic levels (>15-20 mg/L).
norexia, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and in high doses, seizures or arrhythmia.
What are the special concerns for rehabilitation patients with asthma?
Prevent mucus accumulation, encourage coughing, monitor for bronchodilator side effects, and be prepared for bronchospastic attacks.
