Last Pharm for Exam 1 Flashcards
What are the 2 delivery options of respiratory meds?
Systemic Delivery (Oral or Injection)
Inhaled
Which delivery option is more selective for the respiratory tract? And why?
Inhaled because they are much better at delivering drug directly to the lungs
What is one main reason you would choose to use systemic delivery of respiratory meds?
They can reach lungs via pulmonary circulation if airway is obstructed (acute asthma, severe COPD)
What are the primary delivery options of inhaled respiratory meds?
- Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
- Nebulizer
- Dry power inhaler
What are the 4 categories of respiratory meds?
- Control of respiratory tract irritation & secretion
- Bronchodilators
- Control of airway inflammation
- Other meds
What are some examples of medications that control respiratory tract irritation & secretion?
- Antitussives
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Mucolytics, expectorants `
What is the mechanism of Antitussives: opioids?
Suppress cough reflex at brainstem
Antitussives:opioids are often combined with (BLANK) in OTC products
Decongestants
What are some examples of Antitussives: opioids ?
Codeine
Dextromethorphane
Hydrocodone
What is the mechanism of Benzonatate (antitussive)?
And what does this cause?
- Has an anesthetic effect on vagal nerve endings in the airway
- Causes a reduction to effects of irritation that starts the cough reflex
What are the primary problems of Antitussives?
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- GI upset
What are the rehab concerns when a patient is using Antitussives?
- Overuse, dependence
- May limit productive cough
- Not proven to be effective in children
Are cough meds recommended for children?
No
- Found to offer no symptomatic relief for acute cough in children
- Use of cough & cod meds place young children at risk for potential side effects & adverse reactions
What is the mechanism of Antihistamines?
- Block H1 receptors which decreased the effects of histamine on upper respiratory tract
What are antihistamines used to treat?
- Histamine mediated coughing, sneezing, & irritation
- Widespread use: seasonal allergies, colds
What is the main difference between the old agent of antihistamine and the new agent?
New agents are non- sedating because the do not cross the blood brain barrier
What are the primary problems of antihistamines if they cross the blood brain barrier?
- Sedation, fatigue
- Incoordination, blurred vision
What are the rehab concerns in patients using antihistamines?
- Sedative effects
- Dry out respiratory tract (limit productive cough)
What is the primary drugs used to treat excessive coughing?
Opioid derivaties (antitussives)
What are some bronchodilators?
- Beta adrenergic agonist
- Xanthine derivates
- Anticholingerics
What is the mechanism of Beta - adrenergic agonists?
- Stimulate beta 2 receptors on airway smooth muscle
- Increase intracellular production of cyclic AMP (2nd messenger)
- cAMP initiates smooth muscle relaxation = bronchodilator
What are some Nonselective beta agonists?
- Epinephrine
- Isoproterenol
What are some selective beta agonists?
- Albuterol
- Formoterol
- Metaproterenol
- Salmeterol
- Terbutaline
- Suffix -erol indicates beta 2 agonist*
What is the primary problems of excessive use of beta- adrenergic agonists?
- Bronchial irritation/constriction
- Cardiac stimulation
- CNS stimulation
What are the rehab concerns in patients using beta-adrenergic agonist?
- Use before postural drainage
- Look for signs of overuse
To produce bronchodilation a drug should selectively stimulate (BLANK) receptors in airway smooth muscle
beta-2
Xanthine derivatives are chemically similar to (BLANK)
caffeine, other methyl xanthines
What are the primary examples of Xanthine derivatives?
- Theophylline
- Aminophylline
What is the mechanism of Theophylline (powerful bronchodilator)?
- Exact mechanism unclear
- Probably a combination of:
- inhibition of cAMP breakdown
- Blocking adenosine stimulation
- Inhibit intracellular Ca++ release
- Anti inflammatory effects
What is the primary problem with Theophylline?
Theophylline toxicity
- Toxicity begins if plasma levels >15 micrograms/ml and serious if >20 micrograms/ml